NFL readying, diversity push…Nationals Series rings virtual ceremony…Shorter Belmont Stakes

UNDATED (AP) — Some NFL training facilities are reopening, while many are prohibited by government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Roger Goodell gave the 32 clubs the go-ahead for limited re-openings as long as state and local municipalities allow them. Coaching staffs and all players, except those undergoing injury rehab, are barred from the facilities in the first phase of the league’s plan.

NEW YORK (AP) — Changes designed to enhance opportunities for minorities to get executive, head coaching and coordinator positions were passed by NFL owners. They include addendums to the Rooney Rule, which has fallen short in its goal of increasing diversity in the league. All clubs will now be required to interview at least two minority candidates from outside the organization for head coach vacancies.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Jazz say forward Bojan Bogdanović underwent surgery to repair a ruptured ligament in his right wrist. The procedure was performed Tuesday in New York City. The team says in a release that he’ll begin rehabilitation “at the appropriate time.” The NBA season remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Bogdanović was averaging 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his first season with the Jazz. He signed a four-year, $73 million contract with Utah last summer.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals will unveil their World Series championship rings during a “virtual” ceremony shown on television and online Sunday — an unprecedented approach brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Teams typically unveil their title rings at a home stadium packed with fans.

ELMONT, N.Y. (AP) — The Belmont Stakes will be run June 20 on Long Island in front of no fans as the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. This is the first year the Belmont will take place before the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. The Derby was moved to Sept. 5 and the Preakness to Oct. 3. The rescheduled Belmont will be a shorter distance of one and an-eighth miles instead of the race’s trademark mile and a half that has been in place since 1926.

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CAM has found their next head football coach. Barry Bower was approved by the CAM School Board on Monday night to take over the position.

Bower takes over for CAM Activities Director Joe Wollum who announced at the end of last season that he would be stepping away from football to have more time with his young family. Wollum guided the Cougars to seven playoff appearances during his tenure.

Bower moved into the CAM School District three years ago from the Red Oak school district, where he was the head coach for the Tigers football program for a number of years. Bower has been an assistant with the CAM team since coming to the district. Bower is the Principal at CAM North Elementary.

At their meeting on Monday night the Griswold School Board approved the hiring of a new football coach and boy’s basketball coach. Chase Wallace was promoted from an assistant to the head football coach position. Jake Speer will also move up from assistant to the head boy’s basketball coach spot.

Wallace is a Griswold alum and spent the past season as an assistant with the program. He currently is working as a para-educator at the elementary level. He takes over for the coach he played for and worked with in Andy Everett.

Speer has spent the past couple of seasons as an assistant for the boy’s basketball team. He came forward and applied for the head coaching position when it opened up. Speer is the PE teacher at the high school and he takes over the program from Mark Carlton.

Officials with The Trevor Frederickson Memorial Fund in Atlantic, announced today (Monday), this year’s 11th Annual Trevor Frederickson Memorial scholarship recipients. Two awards went to Clayton Jipsen and Annamaria Lowary. Trevor’s mom and fund spokesperson, Melanie Petty said “We would like to take a minute to Congratulate all of the 2020 Graduates.  We know it’s been an unprecedented year for all of you and wish you the best in your future endeavors.  Also, a big shout out to our scholarship committee who takes the time to review the applications we receive and make the very difficult decision they do.”

Grant Petty presents scholarship certificates to Annamaria Lowary (left pic), and Clayton Jipsen (Right pic) (Photos courtesy Melanie Petty)

Petty reminds golfers: The 12th Annual TFred Memorial Golf Tournament will be held at Nishna Hills on Saturday, August 8th.  She says “We look forward to having another great turnout this year so we can continue to give out scholarships in the future and also donate to other things in our community that Trevor loved.”  A mailing will be going out soon with options to sign up a team to golf, be a hole sponsor or donate to our silent auction.  If you have any questions please call Melanie Petty at 712-249-3696.

Iowa backup center Jeff Jenkins has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Jenkins spent two season with the Hawkeyes, red-shirting his first season and then competing in two games during the 2019 season.

Jenkins had previously hinted to media outlets that he may step away from football but will now be looking at options. He would have three years of eligibility left at his next destination but would have to sit out next season unless granted a waiver.

Iowa State football added a prep safety recruit to the 2021 class on Sunday. Beau Freyler of Colorado Springs announced his commitment to ISU on Sunday over other reported offers from Kansas State and Washington State.

Freyler is currently ranked as the 13th prospect from Colorado by 247Sports. He is the 13th commit to the ISU 2021 class.

The Iowa State football team has added a graduate transfer at the safety position. Former North Carolina safety Greg Ross announced his commitment to ISU on Sunday.

Ross played in all 13 games for the Tar Heels last season, starting 5 of those. He also started six games during his sophomore season in Chapel Hill. Last year he finished with 26 tackles and 5 pass breakups.

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(Radio Iowa) — Drake Relays director Blake Boldon hopes high school events will be part of the 111th edition if it rescheduled for the fall. The Relays were postponed in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic and Boldon is looking as the possibility of hosting a meet before the year is over.

The Relays are primarily made up of college and high school events and Boldon is not sure what it might look like if it is held outside of the track and field outdoor season.

Boldon doubts a rescheduled meet could include current high school seniors.