Missouri Southern coach Ware dies

Second-year Missouri Southern football coach John Ware died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack after collapsing at his desk.

Ware, 46, was discovered in his office after 10 a.m. Attempts to revive Ware by members of the coaching and training staff, as well as medical personnel, failed and he was rushed to Freeman Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Ware died of an apparent heart attack, the Joplin, Mo., school said in a statement. An autopsy was scheduled for today.

“John Ware was a man with a vision, and that vision was beginning to become clear to our community and our campus,” athletic director Sallie Beard said. “It was almost palpable, the impact that he had in just a short period of time.”

Assistant coach Keeth Matheny, who will take over as head coach, said Ware had experienced heart problems in the past.

“I love John Ware,” Matheny said. “And like all the guys I’m grieving, but I’m also grieving the loss of one of my best friends, if not my best friend.

“There are five games remaining – five opportunities to make a great man proud.”

Kansas State’s Clayton charged

Kansas State running back Thomas Clayton was charged with almost hitting a university official with his car while driving away to avoid having a boot put on the vehicle for parking violations.

Clayton, a junior, was charged with misdemeanor battery. He was arrested Sept. 16 on a complaint of aggravated battery.

Parking services officials said employee James A. Seymour was almost hit by Clayton. The player was arrested a short time later and released on $1,000 bond.

According to the police report, the 44-year-old Seymour was not injured.

Coach Bill Snyder said disciplinary steps have been taken. He said Monday that Clayton would play Saturday against Oklahoma, but did not say whether he would start.

Conference USA renews bowl deals

Conference USA renewed five college football bowl deals, with the conference champion set to face a Southeastern Conference team in the Liberty Bowl under a four-year agreement that will start in 2006

Conference USA commissioner Britton Banowsky also agreed to new deals with the GMAC, Hawaii, New Orleans and Fort Worth bowls.

Tennessee-LSU draws big share

The Tennessee-LSU game Monday night averaged a 3.1 rating on ESPN2, making it the highest-rated college football game in the network’s 12-year history.

Fresno St. 44, Toledo 14

Paul Williams caught a touchdown pass and returned a blocked punt for a score, and Tyrone Culver returned a fumble for another touchdown in Fresno State’s 44-14 victory over Toledo on Tuesday night at Fresno, Calif.