STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/ogle_abby_pu1h">Abby Ogle</a>&nbsp;was one of three Hutchinson Community College women's basketball players to earn 2020 All-Region VI postseason honors on Thursday.

Ogle was selected to the first team of the postseason team that combines the Jayhawk West and Jayhawk East to form the all-region team. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/vannett_makayla_q30y">Makayla Vannett</a>&nbsp;was named to the second team and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/betham_brooklyn_e4z1">Brooklyn Betham</a>&nbsp;was named all-region honorable mention.

The Blue Dragons finished the season 28-4 and were selected as an at-large team to the 2020 NJCAA Tournament. But the tournament was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/files/2020_Region_VI_All-Region_Basketball_-_WOMEN.pdf">CLICK FOR 2020 ALL-REGION VI WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM</a>

ABBY OGLE – 1st-Team All-Region VIOgle has already been named the 2020 Jayhawk West Player of the Year and to the all-Jayhawk West first team.

A 5-foot-8 sophomore from Baldwin City, Kansas, Ogle put together a tremendous all-around season to lead the Blue Dragons, who were ranked in the Top 10 of the NJCAA rankings for nearly the entire season.

Ogle was the seventh leading scorer in the KJCCC this season at 15.5 points per game, who shooting 59.3 percent from the field. That mark was the third best in the KJCCC this season and fourth-best in Blue Dragon single-season history. Ogle, who at one time or another this season, had to play all five positions because of injury and/or foul trouble, shot 37.5 percent from 3-point range and 71.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Ogle ranks first in the KJCCC with 3.7 steals per game. She became only the second Blue Dragon ever to reach 200 steals for a career and just the sixth to reach 100 steals for a season with 114 this season. She also averages 6.4 rebounds per game (15th in KJCCC) and 3.7 assists (fifth in KJCCC).

Ogle had four double-doubles this season and led the team in scoring 14 times.

Ogle's 114 steals this season were fourth-most in single-season history. Her 213 career steals ranked No. 2 in Hutchinson career history and are 10th most in Jayhawk Conference history.

Ogle also finished eighth on the Blue Dragon career assist list with 243. Her 56-4 percent career field-goal percentage is fourth-best in Hutchinson history.MAKAYLA VANNETT – 2nd Team All-Region VIThe 5-foot-6 sharpshooter from St. Paul, Minnesota averaged 13.1 points per game and posted the third-high 3-point percentage in the league this season at 39.0 percent.

Vannett is tied for the sixth-most 3-pointers in Blue Dragon single-season history going 94 of 241 shots from distance this season. She ranks third on the Blue Dragon career list with 188 career 3-pointers.

Vannett also averaged 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

She had career highs of 26 points and seven 3-pointers against Neosho County on December 4. Vannett had five games this season of five more 3-pointers.

Vannett moved into the Blue Dragon career Top 20 scoring on Monday in the Region VI semifinal loss. Vannett now has 807 points.

BROOKLYN BETHAM – Honorable Mention All-Region VIA 6-3 transfer from Queensland, Australia, Betham stepped into the starting lineup right away.

After a bit of a slow start, Betham came on strong in the conference season, posting eight double-doubles, including a stretch of three in four games down the stretch to help the Dragons clinch the Jayhawk West title.

Betham averaged 10.7 points and 8.8 rebounds. She led the Jayhawk Conference in field-goal percentage at 61.8 percent, which is both a Blue Dragon single-season and career record.

Her 8.8 rebounds per game is seventh-best in Blue Dragon career history.

Betham had 17 games of scoring in double figures and 10 games of 10 or more boards.

Her career scoring high was 26 points against Garden City on February 8 and career-high rebounding game was 16 against Cowley in the quarterfinals of the Region VI Tournament.

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationSophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/ogle_abby_pu1h">Abby Ogle</a>&nbsp;was one of three Hutchinson Community College women's basketball players to earn 2020 All-Region VI postseason honors on Thursday.Ogle was selected to the first team of the postseason team that combines the Jayhawk West and Jayhawk East to form the all-region team. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/vannett_makayla_q30y">Makayla Vannett</a>&nbsp;was named to the second team and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/betham_brooklyn_e4z1">Brooklyn Betham</a>&nbsp;was named all-region honorable mention.The Blue Dragons finished the season 28-4 and were selected as an at-large team to the 2020 NJCAA Tournament. But the tournament was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic.<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/files/2020_Region_VI_All-Region_Basketball_-_WOMEN.pdf">CLICK FOR 2020 ALL-REGION VI WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM</a>ABBY OGLE – 1st-Team All-Region VIOgle has already been named the 2020 Jayhawk West Player of the Year and to the all-Jayhawk West first team.A 5-foot-8 sophomore from Baldwin City, Kansas, Ogle put together a tremendous all-around season to lead the Blue Dragons, who were ranked in the Top 10 of the NJCAA rankings for nearly the entire season.Ogle was the seventh leading scorer in the KJCCC this season at 15.5 points per game, who shooting 59.3 percent from the field. That mark was the third best in the KJCCC this season and fourth-best in Blue Dragon single-season history. Ogle, who at one time or another this season, had to play all five positions because of injury and/or foul trouble, shot 37.5 percent from 3-point range and 71.8 percent from the free-throw line.Ogle ranks first in the KJCCC with 3.7 steals per game. She became only the second Blue Dragon ever to reach 200 steals for a career and just the sixth to reach 100 steals for a season with 114 this season. She also averages 6.4 rebounds per game (15th in KJCCC) and 3.7 assists (fifth in KJCCC).Ogle had four double-doubles this season and led the team in scoring 14 times.Ogle's 114 steals this season were fourth-most in single-season history. Her 213 career steals ranked No. 2 in Hutchinson career history and are 10th most in Jayhawk Conference history.Ogle also finished eighth on the Blue Dragon career assist list with 243. Her 56-4 percent career field-goal percentage is fourth-best in Hutchinson history.MAKAYLA VANNETT – 2nd Team All-Region VIThe 5-foot-6 sharpshooter from St. Paul, Minnesota averaged 13.1 points per game and posted the third-high 3-point percentage in the league this season at 39.0 percent.Vannett is tied for the sixth-most 3-pointers in Blue Dragon single-season history going 94 of 241 shots from distance this season. She ranks third on the Blue Dragon career list with 188 career 3-pointers.Vannett also averaged 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists.She had career highs of 26 points and seven 3-pointers against Neosho County on December 4. Vannett had five games this season of five more 3-pointers.Vannett moved into the Blue Dragon career Top 20 scoring on Monday in the Region VI semifinal loss. Vannett now has 807 points.BROOKLYN BETHAM – Honorable Mention All-Region VIA 6-3 transfer from Queensland, Australia, Betham stepped into the starting lineup right away.After a bit of a slow start, Betham came on strong in the conference season, posting eight double-doubles, including a stretch of three in four games down the stretch to help the Dragons clinch the Jayhawk West title.Betham averaged 10.7 points and 8.8 rebounds. She led the Jayhawk Conference in field-goal percentage at 61.8 percent, which is both a Blue Dragon single-season and career record.Her 8.8 rebounds per game is seventh-best in Blue Dragon career history.Betham had 17 games of scoring in double figures and 10 games of 10 or more boards.Her career scoring high was 26 points against Garden City on February 8 and career-high rebounding game was 16 against Cowley in the quarterfinals of the Region VI Tournament.

Ogle leads 3 Dragons on All-Region VI Team

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has caused Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials to postpone the Indianapolis 500 until August 23, three months later than its May 24 scheduled date. President and CEO Mark Miles says the series chose the August date to get away from extended delays caused by the coronavirus shutdown. The Indianapolis 500 began in 1911 but did not run in 1917, 1918 and from 1941-45 because of World Wars I and II.

NEW YORK (AP) — A person with knowledge of the details tells The Associated Press that top NBA executives are having their base salaries reduced by 20% for the foreseeable future. The reductions affect the roughly 100 highest-earning executives, as the NBA joins the NHL and NASCAR in cutting salaries while competitions are on hold because of the coronavirus. The cuts are effective immediately and affect NBA employees both inside the league headquarters in New York and in global offices.

UNDATED (AP) — The company that manufactures uniforms for Major League Baseball has suspended production on jerseys and is instead using the polyester mesh fabric to make masks and gowns for hospitals in Pennsylvania and nearby states. Fanatics founder and executive chairman was watching TV last week when he was struck by the idea to turn the 360,000-square foot facility in Easton, Pennsylvania, into a factory for the COVID-19 virus fight. St. Luke's Hospital in nearby Bethlehem reached out to Fanatics late last week about the possibility of the company manufacturing masks.

UNDATED (AP) — Hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer has shifted from making visors for helmets to medical visors for those fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Bauer faced the possibility of closing its manufacturing plant in Blainville, Quebec, when hockey came to a halt amid the global pandemic. But engineers there instead brainstormed the idea of producing medical shields to help protect people on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

UNDATED (AP) — The Harlem Globetrotters say legendary player Fred "Curly" Neal has died at age 77. The dribbling wizard played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. Neal became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has caused Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials to postpone the Indianapolis 500 until August 23, three months later than its May 24 scheduled date. President and CEO Mark Miles says the series chose the August date to get away from extended delays caused by the coronavirus shutdown. The Indianapolis 500 began in 1911 but did not run in 1917, 1918 and from 1941-45 because of World Wars I and II.NEW YORK (AP) — A person with knowledge of the details tells The Associated Press that top NBA executives are having their base salaries reduced by 20% for the foreseeable future. The reductions affect the roughly 100 highest-earning executives, as the NBA joins the NHL and NASCAR in cutting salaries while competitions are on hold because of the coronavirus. The cuts are effective immediately and affect NBA employees both inside the league headquarters in New York and in global offices.UNDATED (AP) — The company that manufactures uniforms for Major League Baseball has suspended production on jerseys and is instead using the polyester mesh fabric to make masks and gowns for hospitals in Pennsylvania and nearby states. Fanatics founder and executive chairman was watching TV last week when he was struck by the idea to turn the 360,000-square foot facility in Easton, Pennsylvania, into a factory for the COVID-19 virus fight. St. Luke's Hospital in nearby Bethlehem reached out to Fanatics late last week about the possibility of the company manufacturing masks.UNDATED (AP) — Hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer has shifted from making visors for helmets to medical visors for those fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Bauer faced the possibility of closing its manufacturing plant in Blainville, Quebec, when hockey came to a halt amid the global pandemic. But engineers there instead brainstormed the idea of producing medical shields to help protect people on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.UNDATED (AP) — The Harlem Globetrotters say legendary player Fred "Curly" Neal has died at age 77. The dribbling wizard played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. Neal became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

No Indy 500 on Memorial Day...NBA exec getting pay cuts...Sports equipment manufacturers pitch in

PARIS (AP) — Perhaps no other sports event puts so many fans in such close contact with athletes as the Tour de France. But unlike almost every other major sporting event this summer, the Tour has yet to be called off despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. For now, the start date remains June 27 _ and there is a possibility that the race could be held without any fans lining the course. France's sports minister Roxana Mărăcineanu said the Tour can still exist in a time of social distancing. Mărăcineanu says staging the race without fans "would not be so disadvantageous because we could watch it on television.”

PARIS (AP) — Perhaps no other sports event puts so many fans in such close contact with athletes as the Tour de France. But unlike almost every other major sporting event this summer, the Tour has yet to be called off despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. For now, the start date remains June 27 _ and there is a possibility that the race could be held without any fans lining the course. France's sports minister Roxana Mărăcineanu said the Tour can still exist in a time of social distancing. Mărăcineanu says staging the race without fans "would not be so disadvantageous because we could watch it on television.”

Holding out: Tour de France yet to be postponed amid virus

The Houston Astros say former slugger Jimmy Wynn has died. He was 78. Wynn was nicknamed “The Toy Cannon” because of the power he produced despite his small size. Wynn was a three-time All-Star outfielder in the 1960s and '70s. The Astros announced that he died on Thursday, but did not provide any further details.&nbsp;

The Houston Astros say former slugger Jimmy Wynn has died. He was 78. Wynn was nicknamed “The Toy Cannon” because of the power he produced despite his small size. Wynn was a three-time All-Star outfielder in the 1960s and '70s. The Astros announced that he died on Thursday, but did not provide any further details.&nbsp;

Former Astros star Jimmy 'The Toy Cannon' Wynn dies at 78

NEW YORK (AP) — Commissioner Roger Goodell told NFL teams the draft will go on as originally scheduled for next month.

The draft will still take place April 23-25.

Goodell said in a memo obtained by The Associated Press that public health conditions are highly uncertain and there was no guarantee of significant improvement by moving it to a later date as reasons for not moving the date of the draft. It was originally scheduled for a big outdoor production in Las Vegas, but those plans were scrapped because of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

NEW YORK (AP) — Commissioner Roger Goodell told NFL teams the draft will go on as originally scheduled for next month.The draft will still take place April 23-25.Goodell said in a memo obtained by The Associated Press that public health conditions are highly uncertain and there was no guarantee of significant improvement by moving it to a later date as reasons for not moving the date of the draft. It was originally scheduled for a big outdoor production in Las Vegas, but those plans were scrapped because of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

NFL keeping its draft in April as scheduled

HOUSTON (AP) —Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77.

The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside of Houston on Thursday morning.

“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Globies/status/1243257947481833478?s=20">in a statement on Twitter</a>. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”

Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the ‘70s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Love Boat” and "Gilligan's Island."

Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of “Scooby-Doo” and had their own cartoon series.

Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points per game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a 2008 class that included North Carolina coach Roy Williams.

Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters' Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as an “Ambassador of Goodwill.”

HOUSTON (AP) —Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77.The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside of Houston on Thursday morning.“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Globies/status/1243257947481833478?s=20">in a statement on Twitter</a>. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the ‘70s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Love Boat” and "Gilligan's Island."Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of “Scooby-Doo” and had their own cartoon series.Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points per game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a 2008 class that included North Carolina coach Roy Williams.Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters' Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as an “Ambassador of Goodwill.”

Harlem Globetrotters great Curly Neal dies at 77

Canceling March Madness because of the coronavirus pandemic will cost the NCAA about $375 million that it would have distributed to 350 schools across the nation.

Some will be able to absorb the losses better than others.

The NCAA announced Thursday it will distribute $225 million to its Division I member schools in June, nearly two-thirds less than the $600 million scheduled to be handed out in installments from April to June.

Schools that compete in the wealthiest conferences, with billion-dollar television contracts fueled by major college football, might not notice much of a difference in the short term. Schools competing in mid-major conferences are preparing to make sacrifices.

“This is a very teachable moment,” Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference commissioner Dennis Thomas said. “That’s what athletics is about, when you’re confronted with unexpected situations and you have to overcome them.”

Southwestern Athletic Conference commissioner Charles McClelland said the NCAA distribution is primarily how his member schools fund summer school and other academic support for their student-athletes. McClelland acknowledged that SWAC schools have dealt with APR issues in the past.

“From a conference office standpoint, we have to find innovative ways of assisting our schools in order to compensate for the lack of resources so we can continue the forward progression that we have in increasing our graduation rates and staying out of that APR threshold to where we’re not able to meet the minimum standard,” McClelland said. “We’ve made tremendous strides in the past. This is definitely a bump in the road, but we’re committed from a conference standpoint to assist schools in making sure we continue our forward progression.”

Thomas praised the NCAA for keeping member schools informed about the potential severity of the cuts in advance of the announcement. He applauded the NCAA for being fair and balanced “across the board from Power Five to FCS institutions.”

Ohio State President Michael Drake, chairman of the NCAA board of governors, said in a statement the association will undertake cost-cutting measures to be determined in the upcoming weeks.

“The association has prepared for a financial catastrophic event like the one we face now,” Drake said. “While we certainly have challenges ahead, we would be in a far worse position had it not been for this long-standing, forward-focused planning.”

Former NCAA executive Greg Shaheen said the association could trim expenses related to the championship events it runs.

“Look at the breadth of the 90 championships and only maybe a half dozen that cover their own costs,” he said.

The NCAA spent $153.8 million to run championship events last year.

Shaheen said millions could potentially be saved on travel costs, amenities provided to athletes and maybe even cutting the number of teams selected to compete.

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said his 10-member league would have expected about $24 million from NCAA distributions. Instead, he estimated, the Big 12 will receive about $10 million.

“We’re going to take some hits there,” Bowlsby said.

Bowlsby said the Big 12 is likely to be down $15 million to $18 million total this academic year in terms of revenue, but could tap reserve funds to meet conference distribution projections. Last year, the Big 12 distributed about $35 million to each of its member schools.

“We have some unknowns in our budget that remain and will probably remain for a while, but I expect that we will be able to make our members whole on what we forecast as this year’s distribution,” Bowlsby said. “It’s a whole new ballgame if we find ourselves not playing football because of this. It affects everything we do.”

At football powerhouse Clemson, NCAA tournament revenue is generally 2%-3% of its annual athletic budget, this year at $134 million.

“It’s not an insignificant amount, but there have not been discussions to cut student-athlete services based on the announcement,” athletic spokesman Jeff Kallin said.

The NCAA pulled in more than $1 billion in revenue last year, including $867.5 million from the television and marketing rights for the Division I men’s basketball tournament. But March Madness was canceled March 19, a week before the first round was scheduled to begin.

The NCAA said $50 million of the distribution will come from its reserve fund while a $270 million event cancellation insurance policy will help pay off the remaining distribution.

The lost revenue was just as jarring in the NCAA’s two lower divisions, filled with smaller schools: Division II was projected to receive $13.9 million, $30 million less than last year, while Division III was expected to receive $10.7 million, $22 million less than last year.

Some $53.6 million will be distributed to Division I schools through the Equal Conference Fund, which pays each conference about $1.6 million.

That, at least, was good news to Atlantic Sun commissioner Ted Gumbart and nine A-Sun schools with athletic budgets that are a fraction of Clemson’s.

“That’s kind of the lifeblood,” Gumbart said. “That’s what we use to do business. So that is much more important for the A-Sun than it would be for the SEC or a Power Five conference.”

The remainder of the $225 million will be proportionally distributed through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaa.org/about/where-does-money-go" target="_blank">seven other funds</a>. That’s where A-Sun schools and other mid-majors will take a big hit.

“We were expecting about $5.8 million dollars, and we’re going to get less than half of that,” Gumbart said. “It simply limits what we can provide to our schools.”

Canceling March Madness because of the coronavirus pandemic will cost the NCAA about $375 million that it would have distributed to 350 schools across the nation.Some will be able to absorb the losses better than others.The NCAA announced Thursday it will distribute $225 million to its Division I member schools in June, nearly two-thirds less than the $600 million scheduled to be handed out in installments from April to June.Schools that compete in the wealthiest conferences, with billion-dollar television contracts fueled by major college football, might not notice much of a difference in the short term. Schools competing in mid-major conferences are preparing to make sacrifices.“This is a very teachable moment,” Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference commissioner Dennis Thomas said. “That’s what athletics is about, when you’re confronted with unexpected situations and you have to overcome them.”But that could prove challenging.Southwestern Athletic Conference commissioner Charles McClelland said the NCAA distribution is primarily how his member schools fund summer school and other academic support for their student-athletes. McClelland acknowledged that SWAC schools have dealt with APR issues in the past.“From a conference office standpoint, we have to find innovative ways of assisting our schools in order to compensate for the lack of resources so we can continue the forward progression that we have in increasing our graduation rates and staying out of that APR threshold to where we’re not able to meet the minimum standard,” McClelland said. “We’ve made tremendous strides in the past. This is definitely a bump in the road, but we’re committed from a conference standpoint to assist schools in making sure we continue our forward progression.”Thomas praised the NCAA for keeping member schools informed about the potential severity of the cuts in advance of the announcement. He applauded the NCAA for being fair and balanced “across the board from Power Five to FCS institutions.”Ohio State President Michael Drake, chairman of the NCAA board of governors, said in a statement the association will undertake cost-cutting measures to be determined in the upcoming weeks.“The association has prepared for a financial catastrophic event like the one we face now,” Drake said. “While we certainly have challenges ahead, we would be in a far worse position had it not been for this long-standing, forward-focused planning.”Former NCAA executive Greg Shaheen said the association could trim expenses related to the championship events it runs.“Look at the breadth of the 90 championships and only maybe a half dozen that cover their own costs,” he said.The NCAA spent $153.8 million to run championship events last year.Shaheen said millions could potentially be saved on travel costs, amenities provided to athletes and maybe even cutting the number of teams selected to compete.Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said his 10-member league would have expected about $24 million from NCAA distributions. Instead, he estimated, the Big 12 will receive about $10 million.“We’re going to take some hits there,” Bowlsby said.Bowlsby said the Big 12 is likely to be down $15 million to $18 million total this academic year in terms of revenue, but could tap reserve funds to meet conference distribution projections. Last year, the Big 12 distributed about $35 million to each of its member schools.“We have some unknowns in our budget that remain and will probably remain for a while, but I expect that we will be able to make our members whole on what we forecast as this year’s distribution,” Bowlsby said. “It’s a whole new ballgame if we find ourselves not playing football because of this. It affects everything we do.”At football powerhouse Clemson, NCAA tournament revenue is generally 2%-3% of its annual athletic budget, this year at $134 million.“It’s not an insignificant amount, but there have not been discussions to cut student-athlete services based on the announcement,” athletic spokesman Jeff Kallin said.The NCAA pulled in more than $1 billion in revenue last year, including $867.5 million from the television and marketing rights for the Division I men’s basketball tournament. But March Madness was canceled March 19, a week before the first round was scheduled to begin.The NCAA said $50 million of the distribution will come from its reserve fund while a $270 million event cancellation insurance policy will help pay off the remaining distribution.The lost revenue was just as jarring in the NCAA’s two lower divisions, filled with smaller schools: Division II was projected to receive $13.9 million, $30 million less than last year, while Division III was expected to receive $10.7 million, $22 million less than last year.Some $53.6 million will be distributed to Division I schools through the Equal Conference Fund, which pays each conference about $1.6 million.That, at least, was good news to Atlantic Sun commissioner Ted Gumbart and nine A-Sun schools with athletic budgets that are a fraction of Clemson’s.“That’s kind of the lifeblood,” Gumbart said. “That’s what we use to do business. So that is much more important for the A-Sun than it would be for the SEC or a Power Five conference.”The remainder of the $225 million will be proportionally distributed through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaa.org/about/where-does-money-go" target="_blank">seven other funds</a>. That’s where A-Sun schools and other mid-majors will take a big hit.“We were expecting about $5.8 million dollars, and we’re going to get less than half of that,” Gumbart said. “It simply limits what we can provide to our schools.”

Pandemic fallout: NCAA slashes distribution by $375 million

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - With the cancellation of so many sporting events, the Eagle Radio Sports team thought it would be fun to replay the 2017 NJCAA D1 Championship Game in it's entirely

Eagle Radio sportscasters Glen Grunwald and Rusty Hilst provide the audio, NJCAATV provides the video.

That game matched up Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons versus Easter Florida State College out of Brevard County, Florida.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - With the cancellation of so many sporting events, the Eagle Radio Sports team thought it would be fun to replay the 2017 NJCAA D1 Championship Game in it's entirelyEagle Radio sportscasters Glen Grunwald and Rusty Hilst provide the audio, NJCAATV provides the video.That game matched up Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons versus Easter Florida State College out of Brevard County, Florida.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b2q8fMl6QE0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥  Replay of 2017 NJCAA Championship Game

HOUSTON (AP) —Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHarlemGlobetrotters%2Fposts%2F10157522339583717&width=500" width="500" height="467" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside of Houston on Thursday morning.“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Globies/status/1243257947481833478?s=20">in a statement on Twitter</a>. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the ‘70s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Love Boat” and "Gilligan's Island."Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of “Scooby-Doo” and had their own cartoon series.Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points per game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a 2008 class that included North Carolina coach Roy Williams.Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters' Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as an “Ambassador of Goodwill.”

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The national Gatorade Player of the Year awards were released on Thursday and a future Jayhawk was included among them.

Bryce Thompson, a combo guard out of Booker T. Washington High in Tulsa, Okla., was named the 2019-20 Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

The 5-star guard who signed with Kansas last November also won the honor as a junior last year, but he turned in an even stronger senior season to win it again.

Thompson led the Hornets to a 20-5 record and a berth in the Class 6A state semifinals before the season was cut short because of coronavirus concerns.

The 6-foot-5, 185-pound do-everything guard averaged 24.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Those numbers also earned him a spot on the 2020 McDonald’s All-American roster.

“Bryce Thompson, in my opinion, is hands down the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year,” said Rickey Bruner, head coach at Sapulpa High in a news release announcing the award. “He embodies what coaches want in a kid, on and off the court. On the court, he is dynamic in every way, and the most special thing about him is every time we have played them, he has gotten better and added something to his game. He is unstoppable. He is a competitor. He is a leader. And he is respectful and humble. He makes everyone around him better.”

The award, which recognizes both athletic excellence and academic achievement and all-around character, was established in 1985.

Several former Jayhawks have earned the honor in their home states in the past, and Thompson is no eligible to win the National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award, which will be voted on later this year.

Thompson, who led Booker T. Washington to a state title as a junior, was ranked as the No. 19 player in the 2020 recruiting class by Rivals.com. He owns a 3.28 grade-point average and also recently took part in the 2019 Team USA Junior National Team minicamp.

He also possesses musical talents and has served as a volunteer at a food bank and various youth basketball programs.

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The national Gatorade Player of the Year awards were released on Thursday and a future Jayhawk was included among them.Bryce Thompson, a combo guard out of Booker T. Washington High in Tulsa, Okla., was named the 2019-20 Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year.The 5-star guard who signed with Kansas last November also won the honor as a junior last year, but he turned in an even stronger senior season to win it again.Thompson led the Hornets to a 20-5 record and a berth in the Class 6A state semifinals before the season was cut short because of coronavirus concerns.The 6-foot-5, 185-pound do-everything guard averaged 24.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists.Those numbers also earned him a spot on the 2020 McDonald’s All-American roster.“Bryce Thompson, in my opinion, is hands down the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year,” said Rickey Bruner, head coach at Sapulpa High in a news release announcing the award. “He embodies what coaches want in a kid, on and off the court. On the court, he is dynamic in every way, and the most special thing about him is every time we have played them, he has gotten better and added something to his game. He is unstoppable. He is a competitor. He is a leader. And he is respectful and humble. He makes everyone around him better.”The award, which recognizes both athletic excellence and academic achievement and all-around character, was established in 1985.Several former Jayhawks have earned the honor in their home states in the past, and Thompson is no eligible to win the National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award, which will be voted on later this year.Thompson, who led Booker T. Washington to a state title as a junior, was ranked as the No. 19 player in the 2020 recruiting class by Rivals.com. He owns a 3.28 grade-point average and also recently took part in the 2019 Team USA Junior National Team minicamp.He also possesses musical talents and has served as a volunteer at a food bank and various youth basketball programs.

Future Jayhawk Bryce Thompson named Oklahoma’s Gatorade Player of the Year

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Athletics Inc. contends in a newly unsealed court filing it has evidence former football coach David Beaty “allowed and encouraged NCAA violations” while at the University of Kansas.

The 66-page memo, which was filed by university attorneys in January and unsealed this past week, also said those alleged violations have “resulted in several hundred thousand” dollars in legal fees for Kansas Athletics.

The filing includes transcripts of interviews with players and members of the football staff the university says suggest that NCAA rule violations occurred under Beaty, the Lawrence Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/sports/ku-football/2020/mar/24/unsealed-court-documents-reveal-ku-has-spent-sever/" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Beaty was fired in November 2018. In March 2019, he sued the university claiming he was still owed a $3 million buyout because he was terminated without cause. The university maintains it doesn’t have to pay the buyout because the alleged NCAA rule violations mean that it had cause to fire him.

“Beaty should not be rewarded for managing to avoid getting caught until after Kansas Athletics terminated him without cause,” according to the filing.

The NCAA alleged in a notice the university received in September that the football program used a non-coaching staff member in a coaching role from December 2017 through October 2018.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Athletics Inc. contends in a newly unsealed court filing it has evidence former football coach David Beaty “allowed and encouraged NCAA violations” while at the University of Kansas.The 66-page memo, which was filed by university attorneys in January and unsealed this past week, also said those alleged violations have “resulted in several hundred thousand” dollars in legal fees for Kansas Athletics.The filing includes transcripts of interviews with players and members of the football staff the university says suggest that NCAA rule violations occurred under Beaty, the Lawrence Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/sports/ku-football/2020/mar/24/unsealed-court-documents-reveal-ku-has-spent-sever/" target="_blank">reports</a>.Beaty was fired in November 2018. In March 2019, he sued the university claiming he was still owed a $3 million buyout because he was terminated without cause. The university maintains it doesn’t have to pay the buyout because the alleged NCAA rule violations mean that it had cause to fire him.“Beaty should not be rewarded for managing to avoid getting caught until after Kansas Athletics terminated him without cause,” according to the filing.The NCAA alleged in a notice the university received in September that the football program used a non-coaching staff member in a coaching role from December 2017 through October 2018.

Court filing: Kansas coach 'encouraged' NCAA rule violations

MANHATTAN – With recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, K-State Athletics, in concert with the K-State Alumni Association and University officials, announced today that the 2020 Catbacker Tour has been canceled.

“Traveling the state to all of the Catbacker clubs is one of the most unique grassroots tours in all of college athletics,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “It has been a very frantic and fluid month across the world, and we will continue to do our part to keep people safe and do what is best for all of our communities. We will miss touring the state and visiting our fans in their own backyards but are excited to begin planning soon for the 2021 Catbacker Tour.”

“K-Staters love being together to share their pride, learn about what is happening on campus and to&nbsp;award&nbsp;scholarships to future K-State students,” added K-State Alumni Association President and CEO Amy Button Renz. “As scholarship dollars are more important than ever before, the Alumni Association&nbsp;is committed to ensuring that all of our Alumni Clubs and Catbacker groups have the opportunity to still award their local scholarships throughout this year. K-Staters are resilient and we look forward to gathering with our passionate alumni as soon as we can safely do so.”

Fans gearing up for the 2020 football season are reminded that season tickets are on sale and&nbsp;start at less than $22 per game, a savings of more than 50-percent off the single-game price. All season ticket prices in Bill Snyder Family Stadium remain unchanged for 2020.

Both the ticket office (1-800-221-CATS) and Ahearn Fund office (1-888-232-9074) have staff available to take calls 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fans can also log into their on-line account or purchase new tickets at&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">kstatesports.com</a>.

–&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;–

MANHATTAN – With recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, K-State Athletics, in concert with the K-State Alumni Association and University officials, announced today that the 2020 Catbacker Tour has been canceled.“Traveling the state to all of the Catbacker clubs is one of the most unique grassroots tours in all of college athletics,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “It has been a very frantic and fluid month across the world, and we will continue to do our part to keep people safe and do what is best for all of our communities. We will miss touring the state and visiting our fans in their own backyards but are excited to begin planning soon for the 2021 Catbacker Tour.”“K-Staters love being together to share their pride, learn about what is happening on campus and to&nbsp;award&nbsp;scholarships to future K-State students,” added K-State Alumni Association President and CEO Amy Button Renz. “As scholarship dollars are more important than ever before, the Alumni Association&nbsp;is committed to ensuring that all of our Alumni Clubs and Catbacker groups have the opportunity to still award their local scholarships throughout this year. K-Staters are resilient and we look forward to gathering with our passionate alumni as soon as we can safely do so.”Fans gearing up for the 2020 football season are reminded that season tickets are on sale and&nbsp;start at less than $22 per game, a savings of more than 50-percent off the single-game price. All season ticket prices in Bill Snyder Family Stadium remain unchanged for 2020.Both the ticket office (1-800-221-CATS) and Ahearn Fund office (1-888-232-9074) have staff available to take calls 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fans can also log into their on-line account or purchase new tickets at&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">kstatesports.com</a>.–&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;–

2020 summer Catbacker Tour canceled

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to one-year deals with defensive tackle Mike Pennel and fullback Anthony Sherman, continuing their trend of keeping low-cost valuable contributors to their Super Bowl run on the roster.

The cash-strapped Chiefs have been relatively quiet in free agency, though they have retained several of their own. That includes franchising defensive tackle Chris Jones and signing backup quarterback Chad Henne on a two-year deal.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to one-year deals with defensive tackle Mike Pennel and fullback Anthony Sherman, continuing their trend of keeping low-cost valuable contributors to their Super Bowl run on the roster.The cash-strapped Chiefs have been relatively quiet in free agency, though they have retained several of their own. That includes franchising defensive tackle Chris Jones and signing backup quarterback Chad Henne on a two-year deal.

Chiefs agree to 1-year deals with DT Pennel, FB Sherman

TORONTO (AP) — With opening day postponed until at least mid-May, this might be the year the baseball needs to try out some creative ideas. Here's one of them: seven-inning doubleheaders. Those have long been a staple of minor league and college baseball. Doubleheaders are rarely scheduled in Major League Baseball. But with the prospect of a shortened season because of the virus outbreak, shortened twinbills could be a new approach. Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins and Yankees manager Aaron Boone say seven-inning doubleheaders could add more games in a condensed season without exhausting pitching staffs. The regular season had been scheduled to begin Thursday before being delayed by the virus.

TORONTO (AP) — With opening day postponed until at least mid-May, this might be the year the baseball needs to try out some creative ideas. Here's one of them: seven-inning doubleheaders. Those have long been a staple of minor league and college baseball. Doubleheaders are rarely scheduled in Major League Baseball. But with the prospect of a shortened season because of the virus outbreak, shortened twinbills could be a new approach. Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins and Yankees manager Aaron Boone say seven-inning doubleheaders could add more games in a condensed season without exhausting pitching staffs. The regular season had been scheduled to begin Thursday before being delayed by the virus.

7-inning doubleheaders? MLBers open to considering new ideas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers have signed free agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year contract. A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press last week that the contract is worth $63 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team doesn't release financial terms. Bridgewater replaces Cam Newton, who was released on Tuesday after nine seasons with the team.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers have signed free agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year contract. A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press last week that the contract is worth $63 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team doesn't release financial terms. Bridgewater replaces Cam Newton, who was released on Tuesday after nine seasons with the team.

Panthers sign QB Teddy Bridgewater to 3-year contract

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Washington State senior defensive back Bryce Beekman has died. Police in Pullman, Washington, say the 22-year-old Beekman was found dead in his apartment Tuesday afternoon. Police Chief Gary Jenkins says there is no sign of foul play. Jenkins says more information will be released by the Whitman County coroner's office. Beekman started all 13 games last season for Washington State after transferring from Arizona Western College. He was expected to be part of an experienced Washington State secondary going into this season.

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Washington State senior defensive back Bryce Beekman has died. Police in Pullman, Washington, say the 22-year-old Beekman was found dead in his apartment Tuesday afternoon. Police Chief Gary Jenkins says there is no sign of foul play. Jenkins says more information will be released by the Whitman County coroner's office. Beekman started all 13 games last season for Washington State after transferring from Arizona Western College. He was expected to be part of an experienced Washington State secondary going into this season.

Police: Washington State safety Bryce Beekman found dead

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State guard Cariter Diarra is leaving the basketball program with the intention of turning professional. Diarra is leaving open the option of transferring to another school for his senior season. Wildcats coach Bruce Weber says in a statement Thursday that his leading primary ball-handler and second-leading scorer will graduate this spring. That would allow Diarra to play elsewhere next season without having to redshirt. Diarra was often seen at odds with Weber during a difficult season in Manhattan though both brushed off their verbal spats as simply heat-of-the-moment situations.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State guard Cariter Diarra is leaving the basketball program with the intention of turning professional. Diarra is leaving open the option of transferring to another school for his senior season. Wildcats coach Bruce Weber says in a statement Thursday that his leading primary ball-handler and second-leading scorer will graduate this spring. That would allow Diarra to play elsewhere next season without having to redshirt. Diarra was often seen at odds with Weber during a difficult season in Manhattan though both brushed off their verbal spats as simply heat-of-the-moment situations.

K-State's 2nd-leading scorer Cartier Diarra leaves school

Tight end Blake Bell agreed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, the team confirmed on Wednesday.

Bell has 38 receptions for 424 yards in 65 games (19 starts) over five NFL seasons with four teams.

He was utilized primarily as a blocker last season for the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs as he had just eight receptions for 67 yards. Bell had one catch for 9 yards in the Super Bowl triumph over the San Francisco 49ers.

Dallas is pursuing tight ends after 11-time Pro Bowler Jason Witten reportedly agreed to terms with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Bell has also played for the 49ers (2015-16, Minnesota Vikings (2017) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2018).

The 28-year-old Bell was known as the "Belldozer" in college when he was a quarterback at Oklahoma. The 49ers selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft.

Tight end Blake Bell agreed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, the team confirmed on Wednesday.Bell has 38 receptions for 424 yards in 65 games (19 starts) over five NFL seasons with four teams.He was utilized primarily as a blocker last season for the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs as he had just eight receptions for 67 yards. Bell had one catch for 9 yards in the Super Bowl triumph over the San Francisco 49ers.Dallas is pursuing tight ends after 11-time Pro Bowler Jason Witten reportedly agreed to terms with the Las Vegas Raiders.Bell has also played for the 49ers (2015-16, Minnesota Vikings (2017) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2018).The 28-year-old Bell was known as the "Belldozer" in college when he was a quarterback at Oklahoma. The 49ers selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft.

Cowboys agree to one-year deal with TE Bell

Mark Church was sitting on the end of his bed, coming to terms with the devastating effect the coronavirus outbreak would have on his job as a cricket announcer, when he picked up his phone and did what he does best.

“To cheer myself up,” Church recalls, “I just did a bit of commentary to myself.”

After posting the short video recording on Twitter -- of a wicket taken during the 1985 Ashes series -- he got his 70-year-old mother to take part in some clips, too. What really sent his notifications “through the roof” was&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/backandacross/status/1240895252162109441?s=20" target="_blank">when his 10-year-old daughter, Isabelle, became involved</a>&nbsp;in what he has now labeled “#commentaryathome.”

“We had a 20-minute window before school and I just gave her a few pointers,” Church, a freelancer who works for the BBC among others, said. “I was thinking to myself, ‘She will never get this right, bless her.’ But she nailed it in one take.”

Now,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/backandacross/status/1241985693271891968?s=20" target="_blank">their daily musings</a>&nbsp;— dad as the main announcer, daughter as the analytical sidekick who begins her comments with “well, Mark...” — are getting more than 100,000 views, and are being enjoyed and shared by cricket stars such as Australia captain Aaron Finch and former England captain Nasser Hussain. Perhaps most important of all, they are providing some light relief for those craving a bit of sport in their life.

The global lockdown of sports means it is a strange time not just for athletes but also those who describe the action to the watching public. For announcers like Church, no sport equals no pay. No distractions, either.

“I completely understand that what people want at the moment is information. Information, information, information,” said Church, who likely won’t be back at work until June at the earliest, with the start of the cricket season delayed. “But then I think at some point, there’ll have to become a distraction on top of the information.”

That’s exactly what Nick Heath is delivering. A freelance rugby announcer in the UK who calls matches for Sky Sports and Channel Four among other broadcasters, Heath is helping to fill the void in his working life by providing parody commentary on mundane and everyday things, like&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nickheathsport/status/1241417950579634177?s=20" target="_blank">dogs running around in a park</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nickheathsport/status/1239937525365575680?s=20" target="_blank">people crossing the road&nbsp;</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nickheathsport/status/1239937525365575680?s=20" target="_blank">buying groceries at a market</a>&nbsp;.

“Cross-road dash,” Heath says — in a quintessentially British voice — in one of his #lifecommentary videos, “light turns to red, we wait for the beeps, there they are!”

They are proving a revelation, garnering a combined total of more than 2 million views and more than tripling Heath’s Twitter following in a matter of days.

“It turns out that in these slightly curious times, the world desperately needed some levity,” Heath said in a phone interview, “and also needed to scratch the itch of not having any actual sport.”

Heath, who has received some “tempting” inquiries from people in the entertainment world on the back of his videos, has been left humbled by the reaction from those working on the front line during the pandemic.

“They are saying, ‘I’ve got home from work and it’s the first time I’ve managed to laugh all day, so thank you so much,’” Heath said. “For this to be the positive collateral effect is phenomenal.”

Then there’s Clive Tyldesley, one of the best-known soccer commentators in Britain. With much of the country now working from home or in isolation, he has been doing regular “household commentaries” of chores such as cooking and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CliveTyldesley/status/1239966265667489793?s=20" target="_blank">unclogging the shower tray</a>, and posting them on social media.

These amusing videos are doing more than brightening the days of frustrated sports fans. They are a form of practice for the announcers themselves, who need to keep their voices in shape like athletes need to exercise.

“It’s keeping my hand in,” Church said. “I can think to myself, ‘At least I’ve done something constructive today.’ I’m treating it like a net before we get back out there in the middle.”

Joe Buck feels the same. One of the top NFL commentators, Buck is doing commentary&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Buck/status/1242477305689067522?s=20" target="_blank">on videos his large Twitter following send in</a>, describing them as “practice reps” during quarantine. He takes it up a notch by including slow-motion replays.

One thing these videos don’t do for freelance announcers, though, is bring in any money. And in the UK, for example, the self-employed, who make up 15% of the labor market, have not had their wages protected by the government among its raft of unprecedented financial measures to help workers during the outbreak.

Things are precarious for people like Church, who knows there “will come a point when I have to come up with something.”

Patrick Kendrick is an Italy-based sports announcer who has seen all his commentary assignments canceled because of the coronavirus.

He has decided to “take a break from football” as a result. And with his parallel career as a conference interpreter also wiped out, he is using his spare time to work on his Portuguese ahead of an exam this year.

“For the moment, I’m living off my income from the first part of this year -- invoices tend to be paid sporadically anyway so I probably won’t feel the effects of the situation financially until later in the year,” Kendrick said.

He is, however, “resuming English teaching as a short-term measure.”

“The next few months will be tough for freelancers,” Kendrick said, “but those are the risks you take when you’re self-employed.”

In the meantime, Church and Heath will continue to entertain their growing number of followers with their wit and creativity.

“I just hope that by the time sport does reappear,” Heath said, “any of my former employers still take me seriously as a commentator.”

Mark Church was sitting on the end of his bed, coming to terms with the devastating effect the coronavirus outbreak would have on his job as a cricket announcer, when he picked up his phone and did what he does best.“To cheer myself up,” Church recalls, “I just did a bit of commentary to myself.”After posting the short video recording on Twitter -- of a wicket taken during the 1985 Ashes series -- he got his 70-year-old mother to take part in some clips, too. What really sent his notifications “through the roof” was&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/backandacross/status/1240895252162109441?s=20" target="_blank">when his 10-year-old daughter, Isabelle, became involved</a>&nbsp;in what he has now labeled “#commentaryathome.”“We had a 20-minute window before school and I just gave her a few pointers,” Church, a freelancer who works for the BBC among others, said. “I was thinking to myself, ‘She will never get this right, bless her.’ But she nailed it in one take.”Now,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/backandacross/status/1241985693271891968?s=20" target="_blank">their daily musings</a>&nbsp;— dad as the main announcer, daughter as the analytical sidekick who begins her comments with “well, Mark...” — are getting more than 100,000 views, and are being enjoyed and shared by cricket stars such as Australia captain Aaron Finch and former England captain Nasser Hussain. Perhaps most important of all, they are providing some light relief for those craving a bit of sport in their life.The global lockdown of sports means it is a strange time not just for athletes but also those who describe the action to the watching public. For announcers like Church, no sport equals no pay. No distractions, either.So it’s time to get creative.“I completely understand that what people want at the moment is information. Information, information, information,” said Church, who likely won’t be back at work until June at the earliest, with the start of the cricket season delayed. “But then I think at some point, there’ll have to become a distraction on top of the information.”That’s exactly what Nick Heath is delivering. A freelance rugby announcer in the UK who calls matches for Sky Sports and Channel Four among other broadcasters, Heath is helping to fill the void in his working life by providing parody commentary on mundane and everyday things, like&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nickheathsport/status/1241417950579634177?s=20" target="_blank">dogs running around in a park</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nickheathsport/status/1239937525365575680?s=20" target="_blank">people crossing the road&nbsp;</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nickheathsport/status/1239937525365575680?s=20" target="_blank">buying groceries at a market</a>&nbsp;.“Cross-road dash,” Heath says — in a quintessentially British voice — in one of his #lifecommentary videos, “light turns to red, we wait for the beeps, there they are!”They are proving a revelation, garnering a combined total of more than 2 million views and more than tripling Heath’s Twitter following in a matter of days.“It turns out that in these slightly curious times, the world desperately needed some levity,” Heath said in a phone interview, “and also needed to scratch the itch of not having any actual sport.”Heath, who has received some “tempting” inquiries from people in the entertainment world on the back of his videos, has been left humbled by the reaction from those working on the front line during the pandemic.“They are saying, ‘I’ve got home from work and it’s the first time I’ve managed to laugh all day, so thank you so much,’” Heath said. “For this to be the positive collateral effect is phenomenal.”Then there’s Clive Tyldesley, one of the best-known soccer commentators in Britain. With much of the country now working from home or in isolation, he has been doing regular “household commentaries” of chores such as cooking and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CliveTyldesley/status/1239966265667489793?s=20" target="_blank">unclogging the shower tray</a>, and posting them on social media.These amusing videos are doing more than brightening the days of frustrated sports fans. They are a form of practice for the announcers themselves, who need to keep their voices in shape like athletes need to exercise.“It’s keeping my hand in,” Church said. “I can think to myself, ‘At least I’ve done something constructive today.’ I’m treating it like a net before we get back out there in the middle.”Joe Buck feels the same. One of the top NFL commentators, Buck is doing commentary&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Buck/status/1242477305689067522?s=20" target="_blank">on videos his large Twitter following send in</a>, describing them as “practice reps” during quarantine. He takes it up a notch by including slow-motion replays.One thing these videos don’t do for freelance announcers, though, is bring in any money. And in the UK, for example, the self-employed, who make up 15% of the labor market, have not had their wages protected by the government among its raft of unprecedented financial measures to help workers during the outbreak.Things are precarious for people like Church, who knows there “will come a point when I have to come up with something.”Patrick Kendrick is an Italy-based sports announcer who has seen all his commentary assignments canceled because of the coronavirus.He has decided to “take a break from football” as a result. And with his parallel career as a conference interpreter also wiped out, he is using his spare time to work on his Portuguese ahead of an exam this year.“For the moment, I’m living off my income from the first part of this year -- invoices tend to be paid sporadically anyway so I probably won’t feel the effects of the situation financially until later in the year,” Kendrick said.He is, however, “resuming English teaching as a short-term measure.”“The next few months will be tough for freelancers,” Kendrick said, “but those are the risks you take when you’re self-employed.”In the meantime, Church and Heath will continue to entertain their growing number of followers with their wit and creativity.“I just hope that by the time sport does reappear,” Heath said, “any of my former employers still take me seriously as a commentator.”

Sports announcers get creative as virus wipes out day job

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a one-year contract with Jordan Ta'amu, the highest-rated quarterback during the abbreviated XFL season. He will compete with veteran Chad Henne for a backup job next season. The 22-year-old Ta'amu was undrafted out of Mississippi last year and spent time in training camp with the Texans. He was released in August and signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks. He led the XFL with an 82.8 passer rating and 72.4% completion percentage and was third with 1,050 yards passing in five games.

UNDATED (AP) — Dayton's Obi Toppin and Anthony Grant have claimed top honors from The Associated Press after leading the Flyers to a No. 3 final ranking. Toppin was voted the AP men's college basketball player of the year. Grant is the AP coach of the year. They led the Flyers to a program-record 29 victories. Toppin won the player award with 34 votes from AP Top 25 poll voters. Iowa's Luka Garza was runner-up with 24 votes. Grant won the coaching honor with 30 votes in his third season at his alma mater. Baylor's Scott Drew was second with 13 votes.

TOKYO (AP) — The International Olympic Committee has taken the unprecedented step of postponing the Summer Games in Tokyo. The IOC said the games “must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020, but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.” The games were slated to begin in July, but it is now the first Olympics to be postponed for any reason. The Olympics were canceled in 1916, 1940 and 1944 due to world wars.

UNDATED (AP) — NASCAR has informed its staff that pay cuts will be imposed across the company until the series returns to racing. NASCAR President Steve Phelps announced the moves in a memo to employees, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press from a person who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The memo said series executives, including the presidents of NASCAR-owned tracks, will see a 25% reduction in salary. All other employees will have their salary reduced by 20%.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers introduced quarterback Tom Brady during a teleconference Tuesday. The 42-year-old Brady says he plans to be very busy learning the new offensive schemes to be employed by head coach Bruce Arians. The six-time Super bowl champion also stressed that he will be just as dedicated to preparing for this season as he was during his 20 years with the New England Patriots.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have officially released quarterback Cam Newton, just over four years after he was named the NFL’s most valuable player. The move became a mere formality after the Panthers made it clear last week they were moving on from Newton by giving him permission to seek a trade and then agreeing to a contract with free agent QB Teddy Bridgewater. The release frees up $19.1 million in salary cap space for the Panthers, although they will absorb $2 million in dead cap money.

UNDATED (AP) — North Carolina freshman point guard Cole Anthony says he’s delaying any announcements about whether he’ll enter the NBA draft amid the spread of the virus. Considered a likely one-and-done prospect, Anthony averaged 18.5 points for the Tar Heels, though he missed 11 games due to knee surgery and UNC went just 14-19. In a social media post Tuesday, Anthony said his family knows people in his hometown of New York who have been hospitalized and one who has died.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a one-year contract with Jordan Ta'amu, the highest-rated quarterback during the abbreviated XFL season. He will compete with veteran Chad Henne for a backup job next season. The 22-year-old Ta'amu was undrafted out of Mississippi last year and spent time in training camp with the Texans. He was released in August and signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks. He led the XFL with an 82.8 passer rating and 72.4% completion percentage and was third with 1,050 yards passing in five games.UNDATED (AP) — Dayton's Obi Toppin and Anthony Grant have claimed top honors from The Associated Press after leading the Flyers to a No. 3 final ranking. Toppin was voted the AP men's college basketball player of the year. Grant is the AP coach of the year. They led the Flyers to a program-record 29 victories. Toppin won the player award with 34 votes from AP Top 25 poll voters. Iowa's Luka Garza was runner-up with 24 votes. Grant won the coaching honor with 30 votes in his third season at his alma mater. Baylor's Scott Drew was second with 13 votes.TOKYO (AP) — The International Olympic Committee has taken the unprecedented step of postponing the Summer Games in Tokyo. The IOC said the games “must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020, but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.” The games were slated to begin in July, but it is now the first Olympics to be postponed for any reason. The Olympics were canceled in 1916, 1940 and 1944 due to world wars.UNDATED (AP) — NASCAR has informed its staff that pay cuts will be imposed across the company until the series returns to racing. NASCAR President Steve Phelps announced the moves in a memo to employees, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press from a person who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The memo said series executives, including the presidents of NASCAR-owned tracks, will see a 25% reduction in salary. All other employees will have their salary reduced by 20%.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers introduced quarterback Tom Brady during a teleconference Tuesday. The 42-year-old Brady says he plans to be very busy learning the new offensive schemes to be employed by head coach Bruce Arians. The six-time Super bowl champion also stressed that he will be just as dedicated to preparing for this season as he was during his 20 years with the New England Patriots.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have officially released quarterback Cam Newton, just over four years after he was named the NFL’s most valuable player. The move became a mere formality after the Panthers made it clear last week they were moving on from Newton by giving him permission to seek a trade and then agreeing to a contract with free agent QB Teddy Bridgewater. The release frees up $19.1 million in salary cap space for the Panthers, although they will absorb $2 million in dead cap money.UNDATED (AP) — North Carolina freshman point guard Cole Anthony says he’s delaying any announcements about whether he’ll enter the NBA draft amid the spread of the virus. Considered a likely one-and-done prospect, Anthony averaged 18.5 points for the Tar Heels, though he missed 11 games due to knee surgery and UNC went just 14-19. In a social media post Tuesday, Anthony said his family knows people in his hometown of New York who have been hospitalized and one who has died.

Wednesday Sports Headlines

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a one-year contract with Jordan Ta’amu, the highest-rated quarterback during the abbreviated XFL season. He will compete with veteran Chad Henne for a backup job next season.

The 22-year-old Ta’amu was undrafted out of Mississippi last year and spent time in training camp with the Texans. He was released in August and signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he led the XFL with an 82.8 passer rating and 72.4% completion percentage and was third with 1,050 yards passing in five games.

The Chiefs signed Henne last week to a $3.25 million, two-year contract that includes $2.75 million guaranteed, making it unlikely that Ta’amu will beat him out for the backup job. But failing that, he should press developmental quarterback Kyle Shurmur for a spot on the practice squad heading into the season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a one-year contract with Jordan Ta’amu, the highest-rated quarterback during the abbreviated XFL season. He will compete with veteran Chad Henne for a backup job next season.The 22-year-old Ta’amu was undrafted out of Mississippi last year and spent time in training camp with the Texans. He was released in August and signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he led the XFL with an 82.8 passer rating and 72.4% completion percentage and was third with 1,050 yards passing in five games.The Chiefs signed Henne last week to a $3.25 million, two-year contract that includes $2.75 million guaranteed, making it unlikely that Ta’amu will beat him out for the backup job. But failing that, he should press developmental quarterback Kyle Shurmur for a spot on the practice squad heading into the season.

Chiefs sign XFL quarterback Ta'amu to 1-year contract

DODGE CITY, Kan. -&nbsp;

After completing a nationwide search Dodge City Community College is pleased to announce the hiring of Jake Williams as the next head coach of the Conquistador men's basketball program. Williams comes to Dodge City with a combination of high level winning and excellent connections in the basketball world.

Williams has been the head men's basketball coach at fellow NJCAA Division I program University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie for the past three years.&nbsp; In the season that was just cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indians posted a 27-4 record and were the NJCAA Division I Region X Champions. They qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson for only the second time in school history, earning a first round bye with a #7 seed in this years tournament. After the successful season, Williams was named the Region X Coach of the Year for his efforts in leading the Indians. Williams was the first coach in school history to put together back to back 20 win seasons and he topped that by setting a school record for wins in his third season.

"First of all I want to thank Athletic Director Ripple and President Nolte for giving me this amazing opportunity. Dodge City Community College has all of the resources that I believe you need to be successful, and playing in the Jayhawk Conference is such a challenge. I love a challenge and every game in that Jayhawk&nbsp;is just that, a challenge. To compare it to the Division I world, I feel like I am going from the MEAC to the Big XII," said Williams. "I am excited to get to Dodge City and get my face and our program out in the community. We want to build something special there and be an exciting part of the community. My coaching staff and I are very anxious to hit the ground running. We truly believe with some hard work, we can build something special there in year one. That is our expectation, excellence from the beginning."

Prior to becoming the head coach at USC-Salkehatchie Williams was an assistant coach at Northwest Florida State College, one of the premier junior college basketball programs in the nation. During his two years at NWF the Raiders made two trips to the NJCAA National Tournament. Prior to Northwest Florida, Williams was a director of basketball operations at NCAA Division I program, University of North Carolina-Central. Williams started his coaching career as a student assistant and video coordinator at Middle Tennessee State University for current Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis.

"I am beyond excited about the addition of Coach Williams to the Conq Basketball program. He has a definite direction and plan for our program and how it fits in the community," said DCCC Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://goconqs.com/staff.aspx?staff=74">Jacob Ripple</a>. "He really rose to the top of our applicant pool and the committee was very excited about him. He brings an infectious energy that will really get our students excited about the basketball program, both the players and the rest of the student body."

Williams was chosen from a pool of over 100 candidates. He will start his duties for DCCC on April 1, 2020.

DODGE CITY, Kan. -&nbsp;

After completing a nationwide search Dodge City Community College is pleased to announce the hiring of Jake Williams as the next head coach of the Conquistador men's basketball program. Williams comes to Dodge City with a combination of high level winning and excellent connections in the basketball world.Williams has been the head men's basketball coach at fellow NJCAA Division I program University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie for the past three years.&nbsp; In the season that was just cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indians posted a 27-4 record and were the NJCAA Division I Region X Champions. They qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson for only the second time in school history, earning a first round bye with a #7 seed in this years tournament. After the successful season, Williams was named the Region X Coach of the Year for his efforts in leading the Indians. Williams was the first coach in school history to put together back to back 20 win seasons and he topped that by setting a school record for wins in his third season."First of all I want to thank Athletic Director Ripple and President Nolte for giving me this amazing opportunity. Dodge City Community College has all of the resources that I believe you need to be successful, and playing in the Jayhawk Conference is such a challenge. I love a challenge and every game in that Jayhawk&nbsp;is just that, a challenge. To compare it to the Division I world, I feel like I am going from the MEAC to the Big XII," said Williams. "I am excited to get to Dodge City and get my face and our program out in the community. We want to build something special there and be an exciting part of the community. My coaching staff and I are very anxious to hit the ground running. We truly believe with some hard work, we can build something special there in year one. That is our expectation, excellence from the beginning."Prior to becoming the head coach at USC-Salkehatchie Williams was an assistant coach at Northwest Florida State College, one of the premier junior college basketball programs in the nation. During his two years at NWF the Raiders made two trips to the NJCAA National Tournament. Prior to Northwest Florida, Williams was a director of basketball operations at NCAA Division I program, University of North Carolina-Central. Williams started his coaching career as a student assistant and video coordinator at Middle Tennessee State University for current Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis."I am beyond excited about the addition of Coach Williams to the Conq Basketball program. He has a definite direction and plan for our program and how it fits in the community," said DCCC Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://goconqs.com/staff.aspx?staff=74">Jacob Ripple</a>. "He really rose to the top of our applicant pool and the committee was very excited about him. He brings an infectious energy that will really get our students excited about the basketball program, both the players and the rest of the student body."Williams was chosen from a pool of over 100 candidates. He will start his duties for DCCC on April 1, 2020.<figure>
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Jake Williams Hired As Next Men's Basketball Coach at Dodge City CC

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — Washtenaw Golf Club, one of the oldest courses in Michigan, typically only has to worry about the weather in March.

Now there is a far more serious issue to contemplate: the new coronavirus.

“This is the one thing we didn’t think of,” said Dave Kendall, a PGA professional and operating partner at Washtenaw, which dates to 1899. “You know, as far as making plans. But we’ll fight through it together.”

Even as the pandemic has shuttered restaurants, bars and beaches, many golf courses around the country have managed to stay open with all sorts of precautions in place to promote social distancing, from sanitizing carts to removing rakes from bunkers.

The hope is that golf can provide a safe outlet for the stir crazy, some fresh air and exercise, perhaps even a dose of normalcy.

But like so much else, the industry is in a day-to-day state of uncertainty.

Consider Poppy Hills on the Monterey Peninsula, once part of the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation on the PGA Tour. It announced March 16 it was closing until April 8 after California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a shelter-in-place order for six Bay Area counties. Then, it reopened on Saturday with social distancing guidelines. One day later, it was temporarily closed again.

“It’s definitely a needed distraction, especially with nothing else on at home,” said Mark Laliberte, who was playing at Highland Creek Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I’m a father of three daughters, and my wife and my daughters and I love to watch sports. It’s crazy that there is nothing on.”

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — Washtenaw Golf Club, one of the oldest courses in Michigan, typically only has to worry about the weather in March.Now there is a far more serious issue to contemplate: the new coronavirus.“This is the one thing we didn’t think of,” said Dave Kendall, a PGA professional and operating partner at Washtenaw, which dates to 1899. “You know, as far as making plans. But we’ll fight through it together.”Even as the pandemic has shuttered restaurants, bars and beaches, many golf courses around the country have managed to stay open with all sorts of precautions in place to promote social distancing, from sanitizing carts to removing rakes from bunkers.The hope is that golf can provide a safe outlet for the stir crazy, some fresh air and exercise, perhaps even a dose of normalcy.But like so much else, the industry is in a day-to-day state of uncertainty.Consider Poppy Hills on the Monterey Peninsula, once part of the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation on the PGA Tour. It announced March 16 it was closing until April 8 after California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a shelter-in-place order for six Bay Area counties. Then, it reopened on Saturday with social distancing guidelines. One day later, it was temporarily closed again.<figure>
 <img src="https://img.youtube.com/vi/4biRR4PZuF0/maxresdefault.jpg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Others remain open.“It’s definitely a needed distraction, especially with nothing else on at home,” said Mark Laliberte, who was playing at Highland Creek Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I’m a father of three daughters, and my wife and my daughters and I love to watch sports. It’s crazy that there is nothing on.”It’s not hard for golfers to keep their distance on the fairway, but greens and especially tee boxes can become more crowded — and golf is popular among age groups most vulnerable to the virus. Can it really be safe?“I do think that golf is a relatively easy sport to socially distance while playing,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. His work focuses on emerging infectious disease, pandemic preparedness and biosecurity.“I do think that social distancing is important but I also think that some activities can be modified to limit exposure,” he said in an email.Golfers can leave flagsticks in the holes, untouched. Grounds crews at some courses have installed the cups upside down, so the ball doesn’t fall in the hole and people don’t have to reach inside.Pinehurst Resort, including the famous No. 2 course, put a 2-inch diameter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PinehurstResort/status/1240747911388020738" target="_blank">piece of PVC</a>&nbsp;in the hole so the ball comes to rest level with the turf — easy to retrieve. The USGA last week said when cups are adjusted, a temporary measure allows for scores to be posted for handicap purposes even if players don’t actually make the putts.“Honestly, and I’m biased as you know, but if you think of anything else you could do right now, golf is social distancing day to day,” said Troy Andrew, executive director of the Washington Golf Association. “None of the general public is good enough to hit it within six feet of each other.”Carts can be limited to one player at a time, and players can be allowed to walk the course without one. Clubhouses and golf shops can have restricted access or be closed entirely. Players can prepay for their rounds online.Wes Stenscher, 34, of Bethesda, Maryland, played early in the morning at Bowie Golf Club last week with a business partner.“Kind of most surprisingly is most of the people that were out there were older people, which are at the highest risk right now, and I was surprised to see so many older people out there,” he said.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.Charlene Richardson of Pasadena, California, played the nine-hole Eaton Canyon course in nearby Altadena last week. Ball washers were covered in plastic to prevent use and she didn’t pull the flagstick on any hole.“When I had to reach in the hole to get my ball, I was like, `Hmm,’” she said.Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti later announced the closure of public golf courses. This week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statewide stay-at-home order, with exemptions for outdoor exercise.“Whatever the orders are, we’ll certainly abide by them and try and help,” Kendall said. “Maybe if it’s helpful to not have this tease people into going out when they would have stayed home otherwise, then maybe we need to do that.”It was not clear if Whitmer’s order applies to golf courses.“We recognize the difficult task governors have in keeping the economy going and keeping citizens safe,” Greg McLaughlin, head of the World Golf Foundation, said recently. “The distinction we’re trying to make is the unique nature of the golf course. The clubhouse, restaurant, that’s one operation. The fields of play, which typically represent outdoor, open space, should be treated differently.”Bruce Mohler, the course manager at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club in Florida, was in his office last week composing an email to city parks officials on why the course should remain open. The course was sanitizing carts, and cups were inserted upside-down.“We had 273 rounds on Wednesday. For 18 holes, that’s 4,914 potential touches we’re eliminating by not having to get your ball out of the cup,” he said.Mohler had about 10 decorative square cement pieces to build a walkway to a window next to the cashier, so players could pay without having to enter the clubhouse. The public course, recently renovated, was booked all week.Sean Poggi, who works in commercial real estate, was in a cart with Dino Delkic, waiting to tee off.“What brings us out?” he said. “Just trying to do something.”