Missouri AD hoping to renew Kansas rivalry

Jim Sterk is hoping time has healed some old wounds.

The Missouri athletic director spoke at a golf tournament Monday and indicated he is open to renewing a rivalry with Kansas.

"I’d like for that to happen," Sterk said, according to Tod Palmer of The Kansas City Star. "I think they made it a point when we left the (Big 12) that they weren’t going to play anymore, but we’re certainly open to that and I know (new men’s basketball coach) Cuonzo (Martin) will work on that behind the scenes and see if that can happen."

Kansas has been hesitant to renew the rivalry since the Tigers left the conference for the SEC, but Bill Self conceded in 2015 that seeing the annual game come to an end wasn't a good situation.

Sterk joined Missouri in 2016, and could provide a fresh voice to reignite the conversation.

"In order to have a game, you need two willing partners, so we’re open to doing that in football and basketball and some of our other sports," Sterk said. "That would be great to do."

The two schools have not played each other in basketball or football since the Tigers left the Big 12 in 2012.