A powerful snowstorm that passed through our area this week has significantly impacted spring athletics, forcing schedule changes and raising questions about upcoming games.

The wintry weather delayed the start of the baseball season, pushing back practice plans and forcing coaches to adjust timelines as fields became unplayable. With snow and ice covering the turf and lingering on the ground through midweek, preparations for the Royals' first games had to be put on hold for safety and field conditions.

The storm also forced both the men's and women's basketball teams to cancel matchups originally scheduled for Thursday and Monday. With travel risks and safety concerns, Athletic Department officials made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel those games rather than compromise player safety.

Looking ahead, Baseball's road series with Oklahoma Wesleyan has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 29. This weekend's home matchup with Arkansas Baptist have also been moved to Tuesday, February 3 and will be played at Seneca HS in Seneca, Missouri.

Though the storm threw an early curveball at Royals athletics, teams and staff are working hard to adapt and keep student-athletes safe. Fans planning to travel to Seneca for Tuesday's games are encouraged to check goroyals.org and the Royals' official social channels for the latest on game status and weather-related schedule changes.