Slow news weekend update

It’s a slow news weekend, and much of the news around Kansas State is not the fun kind.

— We’re going to pretend the college football season will begin as planned. So, remember, We’re just Marshall Kellner (#78) days away from Kansas State’s 2020 season, as per BracketCat’s roster countdown.

— COVID19 may have other ideas though. As reported earlier, eight student-athletes at Kansas State have now tested positive for coronavirus. The school is following all local, state, and CDC guidelines for those who tested positive, and is also tracing their contacts to and encouraging self-isolation to prevent spread of the virus through the rest of the university community.

Ed: As of this afternoon, Kansas State football has suspended all organized team activities for two weeks. Fourteen student-athletes have now tested positive for COVID19.

— The rest of the college football world continues to wrestle with the virus. As Ray Tanner, the athletic director at South Carolina put it, COVID19 is essentially “in charge” of the 2020 season. Big 12 commish Bob Bowlsby remains optimistic that there will be a season, but also suggests that interruptions are likely. Meawhile, Lincoln Riley’s decision to not have Oklahoma football players return to campus until July seems like a wise one right now.

— The NCAA’s recently approved six-week practice plan will help transition football players from voluntary workouts to mandatory meetings and workouts via a uniform strategy that also allows players to remain on campus during the transition. This is the first concerted move by the NCAA to bring some certainty to this pandemic.

— Speaking of the NCAA, the recent waivers granted to athletes who had their spring season wiped out by the coronavirus shutdown will help at least one Wildcat directly. Ashley Petr, discus, weight throw, and shot put expert, will return for a second shot at her senior outdoor season in 2021.

— For Kansas State, there was also a bit of good news, as the Wildcats snagged a third recruit for the 2021 class this week in Devrin Weathers out of Webb City, Missouri.

— Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a fantastic Father’s Day. Whether you’re spending the day with your children, your fathers, or the loved ones who fulfill those roles in your lives, may you celebrate in happiness and good health.