By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to the Hays Post

Rod Fairbank admits he is an emotional guy. So he isn’t even going to pretend that Friday’s games between Thomas More Prep-Marian and Norton will be an easy call.

After 30 years of announcing Monarch basketball games above the court in Al Billinger Fieldhouse in Hays, Fairbank has decided to hand the microphone to someone else.

Friday’s games will be his last stint as public address announcer for a girls’ and boys’ doubleheader at TMP-Marian.

“It could be a hard one,” he admitted Monday night after the Monarchs’ games with Oakley.&nbsp;

Fairbanks had been tossing around the idea for the past few years, thinking about when might be a good time to step aside.

Then when football season would roll around in the fall, he’d get the fever again, and off to Lewis Field he would go for every Friday home game. It’s something that comes a way of life after 25 to 30 years, he said.

Fairbank’s wife, Michelle, was working at TMP-Marian in the mid-1990s when longtime announcer Father Earl Befort told Athletic Director Gene Flax at the end of the 1994-95 basketball season that would be his last year calling Monarch basketball.

So Flax immediately contacted Fairbank, and he thought maybe his wife had volunteered him for the job. But Flax had already thought of who his next PA guy could be.

Flax and Fairbank had played high school sports together at Ransom in the early to mid-1970s. And Flax remembered that Rod’s dad, Elmer Fairbank, was the longtime clock operator for football and basketball games.

“I thought I’d give it a try and help them out for a season,” Fairbank said when Flax asked him to announce.&nbsp;

“That was 30 years ago,” he said, his eyes sparkling.

Five years later, Father Earl announced he would be walking away from football announcing as well. Flax knew immediately who he would ask to be Father Earl’s replacement.

Fairbank had decided to give up refereeing high school football about that time because his oldest child was just entering high school at TMP-Marian. So the timing was perfect to pick up the football announcing, too.

It’s easy to see – and hear – that Fairbank enjoys this gig. He shows up at least an hour before games, goes over names and numbers and researches pronunciations of players’ names. After all, not all names are like “Fairbank” and are pronounced like they are spelled.

“I really enjoy the people at the scorer’s table, too, visiting about the games,” he said. “Some coaches, you almost knew what play they were going to draw up in a timeout after watching them for that many years.”

This year weighed heavy on Fairbank as he began the basketball season. Longtime clock operator Greg Schmidt, a good friend of Fairbank’s, was losing his nine-year battle with brain cancer and died on Jan. 31. The night of Schmidt’s vigil service happened to be a scheduled Monarch game.

It was one of the few games Fairbank had missed since the turn of the millennium.

It made him realize it was the right time to step away. He has grandchildren who are reaching the age of participating in activities — the oldest two are 10-year-olds, one in Hays and the other in Valley Center — and he wants to concentrate on family time.

“With Greg’s passing, I thought it’s time to let someone younger step in,” Fairbank said. “It’s been 30 years. That’s a good number to go out on.”

Joe Koenigsman is a TMP-Marian parent of four daughters who have played basketball for the Monarchs. He began taking his daughters to games from little on and has always enjoyed Fairbank’s announcing.

“He has done such an awesome job all those years,” said Koenigsman, whose name is one that Fairbank had to inquire how to pronounce. “He’s so reliable, and the way he announces the players’ names, it gets them in the spirit. We sure are going to miss him.”

Fairbank said he gained more confidence over the years while developing his own style of announcing.&nbsp;

He developed his own style — period. Fairbank was on a school trip with his wife one year, and they ran across a headband with buffalo horns on it.&nbsp;

What a good way to represent the Monarchs, right? He’s worn the headband to games ever since.&nbsp;

The booming voice that asks, “Monarch fans, are you ready?” before announcing the starters at every game will be hard to match.

He has become a master at drawing out names.

It will be hard to replace the bearded guy wearing a headband with horns, who can make even the shortest of names ring out: “For the Monarchs, wearing number 3, a 5-10 junior is Will-ll-ll-ll Ehhhhhck!”&nbsp;

Fairbank laughs while remembering the first time he saw Eck’s name on the Monarch roster. That was one name he didn’t have to ask how to pronounce.

Fairbank knows the first football game next fall will be hard because … well, he loves announcing, and he loves the Monarchs.

He talked about the Monarchs’ three state championship basketball teams he got to announce at home games and follow all the way to state, about the standout football players who have played for the Monarchs, such as TJ Gottschalk, who went on to play NCAA Division I ball at Wyoming.

“Now, TJ has daughters playing basketball here,” Fairbank said. “Seeing that is pretty cool.”&nbsp;

Fairbank enjoyed getting the crowd excited when a player made a 3-point basket. He particularly liked announcing players who had reached the 1,000-point milestone in basketball. He sometimes even gave a player a moniker, such as “Downtown Tom Diehl,” a prolific 3-point shooter for the Monarch basketball team in the late 1990s.

He often added adjectives to describe plays or to enhance a call, such as “picking the pig” for an interception or “a whole congregation of Monarchs” for a group tackle.

Most of all, he thought it was important to recognize as many players as possible so their families could hear their names.

There is still a possibility for this year’s boys’ and girls’ teams to host a first-round game of sub-state next week, but they will be on different nights. And it’s not quite the same as calling a doubleheader.

“I’ll definitely miss all this, but they’re not going to get rid of me that easily,” he said. “I’ll still come to games and watch as a fan.”

“Oh, yes! It will be hard sitting in the stands,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll have to sit somewhere besides behind the scorer’s table.”

NWester: Longtime Monarch PA announcer stepping aside

---------------------------------------------------------

For Kansas road conditions, visit <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/">https://www.kandrive.gov/</a>

Churches •&nbsp;St. Joseph Parish K-8 and Adult Faith Formation classes, Hays, are canceled. •&nbsp;St. Joseph Parish choir practice, Hays, is canceled. •&nbsp;Messiah Lutheran Church: MIDWEEK and LYF is canceled for Wednesday. • Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas Outreach Services canceled Wednesday, Feb. 19, and Thursday, Feb. 20. They will work on rescheduling. • The Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Hays, closed until noon Thursday, Feb. 20.

• Seibel Law office, closed •&nbsp;Herndon Clinic at FHSU: All services canceled Wednesday •&nbsp;Hays Senior Center and Meal Site Closed Wednesday •&nbsp;First Call for Help - Meals on Wheels program (Hays) canceled for Wednesday. • ACCESS Public Transportation, Hays, will be closing at 7 p.m. Wednesday. • Virgil’s Refuse Collection—Hill City, closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Schools • Plainville, two-hour delay

Churches • St. Joseph Parish’s day of Eucharistic Adoration is canceled. • Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas Outreach Services canceled Wednesday, February 19, and Thursday, February 20. They will work on rescheduling. • The Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Hays, closed until noon Thursday, Feb. 20. 
• No sale at Russell Sale Barn • No sale at Farmers &amp; Ranchers Livestock in Salina.

 • Virgil’s Refuse Collection—Hill City, closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Latest cancellations and delays

RUSSELL — Russell County Emergency Management Director David Elliott has announced the annual Storm Fury on the Plains presentation and storm spotter meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 at the historic Dream Theater at 629 North Main Street in downtown Russell.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Wichita will present information that will help prepare storm spotters and weather enthusiasts for the upcoming storm season. NWS staff will provide an in-depth weather presentation that will engage the audience by teaching them about the different types of storms, the individual storm features that help a person to recognize the storm’s potential severity, how to report hazardous weather and severe weather safety.

“Kansas weather is extremely unpredictable, and this presentation will help everyone – those new to the area and those who have lived here their entire lives – learn more about what to do before, during and after a severe weather event,” said EM Director Elliott. “Please attend this presentation to become informed and help protect yourself and your loved ones from the worst weather Kansas has to offer.”

Admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. The presentation will last approximately two hours. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For additional information, call Russell County Emergency Management at 785-483-7200 or email david@russellcountysheriff.org.

Storm Fury on the Plains presentation in Russell is March 4

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

The Alumni Association of Thomas More Prep-Marian is proud to sponsor the&nbsp;51st annual Auction for Christian Education (ACE) on Friday April 25 and Saturday April 26, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From the very first auction in 1975 to 2024, ACE has raised&nbsp;$13,542,171.06&nbsp;for Thomas More Prep-Marian.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hays business community, TMP-Marian parents, alumni and friends have worked many years together with the Capuchin Friars and Agnesian Sisters, and the Diocese of Salina to keep the dream of a Catholic educational option alive.&nbsp; ACE is a continuing testimony to your support and belief in our mission.

<a target="_blank" href="https://eml-pusa01.app.blackbaud.net/intv2/j/B0DADCCA-30B5-4240-9CD4-9DE87A0CE9E3/r/B0DADCCA-30B5-4240-9CD4-9DE87A0CE9E3_5c9a9834-ff6d-4dfc-bcfd-2cb673cf3e1c/l/3A462478-1441-42A4-A4CA-307A779ABE9A/c">Tickets to the LIVE AUCTION will be sold ONLINE ONLY!&nbsp; Ticket sales GO LIVE on Saturday, February 15, 2025!</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Groups are encouraged to have one person purchase all tickets. Upon check out, you will be asked to enter an attendee name for each ticket, which will update our system to assign bidder numbers.&nbsp; Limited staff will be available to assist you by phone at 785-625-9434 on Saturday, February 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon, if you have any questions.

<a target="_blank" href="https://eml-pusa01.app.blackbaud.net/intv2/j/B0DADCCA-30B5-4240-9CD4-9DE87A0CE9E3/r/B0DADCCA-30B5-4240-9CD4-9DE87A0CE9E3_5c9a9834-ff6d-4dfc-bcfd-2cb673cf3e1c/l/406D48A5-0F85-4C5E-84A7-CC98161D4110/c">Please view our website to volunteer, make your donation or purchase raffle tickets!</a>

Tickets for TMP ACE live auction open Saturday; online sales only 

The city of Hays has declared a Phase 1 Winter Storm Traffic Emergency, effective immediately, as a winter storm is expected to significantly impact the region.

City crews are actively working to clear Emergency Snow Routes, and residents are urged to avoid travel unless necessary.

Under the declared emergency, parking on designated Emergency Snow Routes is prohibited.

Vehicles left on these routes may be subject to towing at the owner's expense to allow for efficient snow removal operations.

The city’s priority remains maintaining open and passable primary roads for emergency responders and essential travel.

The winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Residents are advised to use caution, monitor weather updates, and allow additional travel time if driving is unavoidable.

Due to staffing and equipment limitations, residential streets are generally not plowed, per city policy. However, exceptions will be considered as needed and appropriate.

City officials will continue to provide updates on snow removal efforts through official social media channels and local news outlets.

Those with questions regarding snow routes or road conditions can contact the Hays Police Department at 785-625-1011 or the Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

For the latest weather and travel updates, residents are encouraged to tune in local radio and TV stations, including KAYS, KBSH-TV, KFIX, KHAZ, KJLS, and KKQY.

<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information" target="_blank">Click here for snow route information.</a>

Hays declares Winter Storm Traffic Emergency - Phase 1

The city of Hays is making preparations ahead of a significant winter storm expected to impact the area beginning Monday night and continuing through Tuesday.

Residents are urged to take necessary precautions as snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures are forecast to create hazardous conditions.

According to the&nbsp;National Weather Service in Dodge City, snow is projected to move into the region late Monday, with the heaviest accumulation likely along the I-70 corridor through early Tuesday morning. 

The storm will also bring an arctic air mass, resulting in dangerously low wind chills through early Thursday.

Strong winds may contribute to blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel difficult.

City crews are actively preparing for the storm and will work to keep major roadways as clear as possible.

If snowfall reaches a level requiring extensive removal, the city manager may declare a Winter Storm Traffic Emergency. In such a case:

Due to staffing and equipment limitations, snow removal efforts will focus on Emergency Snow Routes.

Residential streets are typically not plowed unless conditions warrant exceptions.

For real-time weather alerts and city updates, residents are encouraged to follow the city of Hays’ official social media pages or sign up for text and email alerts at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">haysusa.com</a>.

Additional weather information can be found through the National Weather Service at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.weather.gov/ddc" target="_blank">www.weather.gov/ddc</a>.

City of Hays preparing for incoming winter storm

As a result of a forecasted snowstorm and snowstorms impeding traffic and causing difficulty in the clearance of streets, parking upon the following listed streets, designated as emergency snow routes, in the City of Russell is prohibited beginning at 6 p.m., Feb. 17, and until further notice. •Copeland Street from Wichita Avenue to Wisconsin Street •Lincoln Street from Wichita Avenue to 15th Street •Wisconsin Street from Van Houten to Copeland Street •15th Street from Van Houten Street to Copeland Street•Jewell Street from Fossil Street to Maple Street •Maple Street from Jewell Street to Luray Street•Luray Street from Maple Street to Kansas Street •Kansas Street from Luray Street to Jewell Street

Any vehicle parked on an emergency snow route after such time may be towed. 

Any expenses incurred to vehicles requiring tow away as a result of snow removal work shall be the owner or operator's responsibility and not at the expense or responsibility of the city of Russell.

Russell: No parking on designated snow routes until further notice

Women Who Lead's annual scholarship application period is now open. 

The scholarship is for female residents of Ellis County.

At least three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded for 2025 to women who will be attending Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech North Central or Hays Academy of Hair Design.

Applications are due by March 31. Students find the application at <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">https://womenwholead.org/</a>.

If you have any questions, you can call Women Who Lead Scholarship Committee chairwoman Cristina Janney at 785-301-2077, cjanney@eaglemedia.com&nbsp; or Nancy Jeter at 785-623-1660, nancyjeter5@gmail.com.

Women Who Lead offers $1,000 scholarships for 2025-26 school year

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF Feb 17 – 21, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

--Feb. 17 • NO SCHOOL – FACULTY RETREAT

--Feb. 18 • Communion Services w/ Deacon Dave today &amp; Thursday – the priests are on retreat this week. • Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:00-6:00 p.m. by appointment. • Students can bring change to put in your class Baby Bottle for the Diocese Baby Bottle Drive this week and next week.

--Feb. 19 • Spirit Day. • The Ellis County Historical Society will visit 1A today to show the students artifacts. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. • Joyful Noise for 5th grade at 2:45 p.m. • Happy Birthday to Justin Brown, PK4, Cecilia Marintzer, 1A, &amp; Elliott Basgall, 5A.

--Feb. 20 • 4th grade will attend H.A.C. “Call of the Wild” at Beach Schmidt at 9:30 a.m. 5th grade will attend “Call of the Wild” as well at 12:45 p.m. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade this afternoon. • Next Monday is Spring Picture Day and students have free dress. • Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:00-6:00 p.m. by appointment. • Happy Birthday to Wyatt Werth, PK4, Laker Kuntzsch, 2A, and Fr. Nick. • Greetings to Colby Schmidt, 2B, Brody Brady, KA, Mrs. Judy Flax, Library Para, Mrs. Toni Whitmer, Office Manager, and Mrs. Kat Hadley, Counselor, who will celebrate birthdays this weekend.

Holy Family Elementary School notes, Feb. 17-21

Free prenatal education program offered in February, March

By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp;

Recommendations of bid awards for the 2025 street maintenance program will be presented to Hays city commissioners during their work session on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

The projects include seal coat, polypatch, curb and brick repair, major rehab (street and concrete alley), asphalt mill and overlay, and pavement markings. The biggest project for this year is mill and overlay of East 17th Street&nbsp;

Bids were received from six contractors. Jesse Rohr, public works director, recommended the low bidders for all projects for a total of $893,835.

No bid for the pavement marking project was received. Rohr will advertise it again and bring it back for city commission approval at a later date.&nbsp;

The complete Feb. 20 agenda is available <a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02202025-1529">here</a>. The work session starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main. &nbsp;

Hays City Commission to review 2025 street maintenance bids

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Another three inches of snow fell in Hays throughout the day Tuesday, according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center. &nbsp;

Combined with Monday's snowfall, the two-day total was five inches of snow, with 0.23 inches of moisture.&nbsp;

Hays has received 0.81 of moisture for the year and 19 inches of snow to date.&nbsp;

Monday's high was -1 degree with the overnight low dipping to -5 degrees, a new record low, according to the ag research center. A cold weather warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect through noon Thursday.&nbsp;

The forecast calls for warming temperatures with highs in the low 40s on Saturday and near 60 on Sunday.&nbsp;

Another 3" of snow falls in Hays; extreme cold weather warning continues

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Reese Barrick, director of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History about the new exhibition "Water's Extreme Journey," an interactive maze.

We also talk about upcoming Fort Hays State University alumni events with Kim Cebula, director of the FHSU Foundation and Alumni Office.&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: 'Water's Extreme Journey' at Sternberg Museum

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

NORTON – The Innovation Center is actively seeking individuals interested in becoming qualified child care substitutes to support local child care providers and centers. This initiative aims to address a critical challenge in the childcare industry: the lack of available and trusted substitute providers. ​&nbsp;

Child care providers face long hours, typically from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving little flexibility for personal appointments or family events. For home-based providers, even a brief absence can mean lost income and disrupt the families they serve. Child care centers risk classroom closures when staff members are absent.

 Like public schools, child care providers can utilize substitutes, but the process to become a child care substitute is often lengthy and costly. ​&nbsp;

Through the Innovation Center’s Child care Shared Services Hub, these barriers are being removed. The Innovation Center will cover the expenses associated with becoming a child care substitute, including: ​&nbsp;

• TB skin test  • Health assessment • KCCTO Training: Foundations for Safe and Healthy Early Care Facilities&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Module (10 modules, 18 hours) • Pediatric First Aid • Pediatric CPR • Fingerprinting • State licensing and background check ​&nbsp;​&nbsp;

Additionally, individuals will receive a $240 stipend upon completing the process. ​&nbsp;

“The lack of qualified substitutes is a serious issue for childcare providers,” said Dana Jo Stanton, child care program specialist at the Innovation Center. “This initiative allows both childcare centers and home providers to select substitutes they trust while eliminating the financial burden that comes with becoming a child care substitute.” ​&nbsp;

Stanton is committed to building substitute pools in every county within the Innovation Center's service area. 

“In addition to working with child care centers and home providers, we’re eager to connect with individuals who want to become substitutes. Expanding these substitute pools will provide essential support for childcare providers across northwest Kansas,” she added. ​&nbsp;

For more information about becoming a child care substitute or other childcare services, contact Dana Jo Stanton at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:danajstanton@nwkeici.org">danajstanton@nwkeici.org</a>&nbsp;or call 785-874-5150. ​&nbsp;

About the Innovation Center ​&nbsp;

The Innovation Center is dedicated to fostering community development and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across Northwest Kansas. Through initiatives like the Childcare Shared Services Hub, the Innovation Center is committed to creating sustainable solutions for community needs. ​&nbsp;

Innovation Center recruiting substitute child care providers 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Pictured from left to right, are the following: Ella Bain and Caleb Marintzer -&nbsp;Ella is the daughter of Joe and Shaudel Bain, and Caleb is the son of Cody and Karen (class of 1998) Marinzer.

Macara Rohr and Heuer Brungardt -&nbsp;Macara is the daughter is Mark (class of 1993) and Tina Rohr, and Heuer is the son of Christopher and Kathleen Brungardt.

Ainsleigh Bain and Austin Gilbert -&nbsp;Ainsleigh is the daughter of Joe and Shaudel Bain, and Austin is the son of Josh and Aimee Gilbert. Shalee Gottschalk and Treger Williby -&nbsp;Shalee is the daughter is Rich and Trina Gottschalk, and Treger is the son of Tyson Flax and Cammi Williby-Flax.

The 2025 Sweetheart King and Queen will be crowned at the halftime of the Boys Varsity Basketball game this Friday, Feb. 21, in Al Billinger Fieldhouse when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Norton Bluejays at 7 p.m.

Thomas More Prep-Marian announces 2025 Sweetheart candidates

Hays Police Department activity log: Feb. 9-15, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS - The seventh-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team is one of 10 teams currently under consideration for selection into the 2025 NCAA Division II Central Region Championships, announced Wednesday (Feb. 19) by the NCAA office.

In recent years the NCAA has released its first set of region rankings in alphabetical order before announcing the teams in rank order in two subsequent releases. Final selections for the field of eight teams will be announced on Sunday, March 9. The regional tournament will run March 14-17 at the top overall seed with the regional champion moving on to Pittsburgh, Pa. March 24-28 for the DII Elite Eight.

The Tigers are one of four MIAA programs in the region's top 10, joined by four school representing the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and two institutions from the Great American Conference.

While the Tigers are 22-2 on the year, one win came against an NAIA opponent, giving FHSU an overall DII record of 21-2. All but one of those DII matchups are considered in-region opponents, giving the Tigers an in-region record of 20-2.

Fort Hays State has played in eight of the last 10 regional championship tournaments, serving as the top overall seed four times and playing in three regional finals.

Two of the statistical metrics that the regional selection committee takes into consideration are KPI and in-region RPI. Fort Hays State currently has the third-best KPI in the region of .242 while the Tigers are sixth in in-region RPI at .590.

The Tigers will have a chance to boost those metrics in the final two weeks of the regular season with three games against teams also listed as under consideration, including one matchup with Pittsburg State and two games against Nebraska-Kearney.

The Tigers open a three-game homestand Thursday (Feb. 20) against Missouri Southern beginning at 5:30 p.m.

2025 NCAA DII Central Region Rankings - February 19

School • Overall DII Record • In-Region Record

Minnesota State Mankato • 20-5 • 19-4

Southwest Minnesota State • 22-2 • 22-2

🏀FHSU Women's Basketball in the Running for Postseason Bid

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team held steady at No. 7 in the latest WBCA Division II Coaches Poll while moving up one spot to No. 14 in this week's D2CSC Media Poll.

Now 22-2 on the season, the Tigers have been ranked seventh in the coaches rankings five times this season. FHSU racked up 438 points in the balloting process, up from 432 one week ago.

Fort Hays State is one of two MIAA programs in the top 10 this week, with Pittsburg State occupying the number five spot in both national polls. The Tigers and Gorillas will battle for the only time during the regular season on Saturday (Feb. 22) beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers have now been ranked seventh in the coaches poll 11 times in the DII era, going 16-1 when ranked in that position. The Tigers are 179-45 all-time when ranked, including a 126-26 mark when ranked inside the top 10. FHSU has now been in the top 25 in 117 separate releases of the poll, including 77 appearances inside the top 10.

Fort Hays State is one of five Central Region programs listed in each poll, with the Tigers and Gorillas joined by a trio of NSIC programs in Concordia-St. Paul, Southwest Minnesota State and Minnesota State-Mankato. The Tigers are in a good position to be listed in the regional rankings, which will released for the first time this season later this afternoon.

Winners of nine in a row, Fort Hays State will play its next three games at home beginning Thursday (Feb. 20) when the Tigers host Missouri Southern at 5:30 p.m.

WBCA DII Coaches Poll - February 19, 2025

2 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (7) - 26-0 - 550 - 3

3 - Grand Valley State (4) - 25-2 - 519 - 1

11 - Concordia-St. Paul - 24-2 - 313 - 12

16 - Montana State Billings - 23-4 - 238 - 16

17 - Southwest Minnesota State - 24-2 - 219 - 17

25 - Minnesota State Mankato - 21-5 - 52 - 25

Dropped Out: No. 23t Nova Southeastern (19-5)

Receiving Votes: Colorado Mesa (19-4) 23; Chowan (17-3) 22; Clark Atlanta (19-5) 14; Nova Southeastern (19-5) 12.

2 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (5) - 26-0 - 337 - 3

4 - Grand Valley State (1) - 25-2 - 308 - 1

17 - Southwest Minnesota St. - 24-2 - 108 - 17

23 - Montana State Billings - 23-4 - 56 - 25

Receiving Votes: Nova Southeastern (16); Azusa Pacific (14); Minnesota State-Mankato (6); Lee (3); Southern Connecticut State (1)

🏀FHSU Women Hold Steady in Coaches Poll, Up One Spot in Media Ranks

Wednesday, February 19
 none

Thursday, February 20
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Southern State, 5:30pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Friday, February 21
 KKQY: Trego MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Garden City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Norton, 5:40pm

Saturday, February 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Oklahoma State, 1:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Pittsburg State, 1:35pm

Sunday, February 23

 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The 7th-ranked Fort Hays State women wrap-up their in-state road trip against Newman on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Fugate Gymnasium in Wichita, Kan.

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB at Newman

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Kansas has reached a low point with its uncharacteristic struggles in Big 12 play.

The No. 23 Jayhawks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-byu-basketball-score-5a3cb1b0ef31ad1964470cda758f49c5">lost 91-57 to BYU</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday night, matching their largest margin of defeat in Bill Self’s tenure, after previously losing 85-51 to USC in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. It also marked the first time Kansas — the preseason No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll — lost by 30-plus points against an unranked team since the poll began in 1948.

The Jayhawks have not led through their last 80 minutes of basketball after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-utah-basketball-score-2920c07f0583abda508becce4bb8fea0">also falling to Utah 74-67</a>&nbsp;on Saturday. They have lost four of six games since the start of February.

“Obviously we’re going to catch a lot of flak, whether it’s fans or national media, and rightfully so because we just lost by damn near 40,” said senior center Hunter Dickinson, who finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds. “Nobody is going to feel bad for us now that NIL is the thing, and players are getting paid and everything like that. Nobody is going to feel bad for you. They’re going to expect you to perform like a paid player.”

Kansas never came close to threatening the Cougars at any point. BYU shot 52% from the field and made 14 3-pointers en route to notching its third straight victory.

“We were one foot in and one foot out in how we guarded and a lot of other things right from the jump,” Self said. “It was crystal clear how we wanted to try to guard them and right from the jump we doubted and ended up hurting ourselves.”

BYU finished with 24 assists and 14 steals. It marked the first game against a ranked opponent over the last 25 seasons where the Cougars totaled more than 20 assists and 10 steals.

“I think BYU could have beat anyone tonight,” Self said. “They were great and then we didn’t do anything to make them play less than great.”

The Cougars looked impressive on both ends of the court en route to moving into fifth place in the Big 12 standings.

They had 15 assists on 15 baskets in the first half and forced eight turnovers on their way to building a 20-point halftime lead. BYU led by as many as 38 points after halftime.

It is a statement win for the Cougars as much as a statement loss for the Jayhawks. BYU started 2-4 in Big 12 play but has won seven of nine since.

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