By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays Thomas More Prep-Marian's drama department takes the stage Thursday for its 2024 fall musical, "Big Fish School Edition."

The production is inspired by Daniel Wallace's 1998 book "Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions," which Tim Burton adapted into a 2003 film and eventually became a Broadway show.

TMP drama instructor Travis Grizzell said he was drawn to the story for its emotional depth, humor and relatable family themes.

"My wife and I went and saw this about 10 years ago. On the way home, we thought, 'Gosh, it'd be great to do this,'" he said.

The musical is set for 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Dreiling Theater at TMP High School, 1701 Hall St.

You can purchase your tickets for $8 <a href="https://gofan.co/app/school/KS25212?fbclid=IwY2xjawGaA55leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUs7JB-FRGgfqdUlOrsJ5uC3WdXNuZI9pEDfqFpECyf3ykdWjyuNDzSQpA_aem_zkq7y6k63RGIN3LJMcn-tQ">here </a>or at the door.

The story follows Will Bloom, played by Jake Brady, who feels frustrated by his father’s habit of sharing exaggerated and fantastical stories rather than genuine experiences.

Will struggles to connect with his terminally ill father, Edward Bloom, played by Blaise Staab. He seeks to uncover the truth behind his father’s stories to understand his true character before time runs out.

"It's a show that not many people are probably familiar with. There's a little bit of drama and over looming sadness... but there's so much joy leading up that point," Grizzell said.

Other featured stars include Breanna Seiler as Sandra Bloom, Carter Stephenson as Young Will, Riley Frank as Josephine Bloom and Sam Schroeder as Karl the Giant.&nbsp;

Grizell said audiences can expect an experience with messages about the importance of family and cherishing loved ones while they’re still here.

Grizzell said TMP's minimalistic production separates it from other adaptions and encourages the audience members to use their imaginations.

"For the drama department, I think it's good to keep in mind that you don't need the latest tech or the biggest production value to tell a good story," he said. "That's what theater is, just telling the story."

"Big Fish School Edition" is a collaborative project involving about 35 students, faculty and volunteer parents.

Grizzell said he handles much of the set construction while his wife manages costumes, but the production remains student-led with their creative decision.

Auditions took place in May, allowing the cast and crew to familiarize themselves with the material during the summer. Rehearsals started at the beginning of the school year.

"Big Fish" is Grizell's 31st show at TMP. He said he enjoys seeing his students' hard work and appreciates it when they return with their own kids to share the theater experience.

"The greatest memories made are not the performances... it's in the rehearsals, it's in the process, and it's great to see former students coming back, sometimes with their kids," he said.

You can follow the TMP-Marian Drama Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/TMP-Marian-Drama-Department-100057456728856/">Facebook</a>.

TMP drama department presents 'Big Fish School Edition' this week

Clover Christmas Market set for Dec. 7

Enter to win Eagle Radio's Reindeer Radio

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay respect to all who have served our country.&nbsp;

Eagle Radio, Hays Post and these sponsors have created a place where our community can honor those who have served and are still serving.&nbsp;

Submit a photo of your military loved one above.

📷 HONOR OUR VETERANS: 2024 Veterans photo gallery

Ellis VFW sausage meal set for Saturday

The Center for Life Experience (CFLE), a grief support organization, has closed its office in Hays. But it is still offering grief support services. Its grief support group is continuing to meet, just in a new location, and the group’s annual tree dedication remembering children is coming up Nov. 23.

Two of CFLE’s grief support groups have combined. That combined group will begin meeting at its new location, the Hays Senior Center, 2450 E. Eighth St., beginning on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It will continue to meet there the third Thursday of every month.

The group welcomes any adult who has lost a child of any age, including miscarriages and stillbirths. While many members are parents, the group also welcomes grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, etc.

The group also welcomes any adult who has lost another adult in their life, such as a spouse, parent, sibling, friend, etc.

Kate McGonigal, Ph.D., who teaches in the Sociology Department at Fort Hays State University, is continuing as the facilitator for this group. Among the classes that McGonigal teaches at FHSU is Death &amp; Dying.

Another traditional event coming up is the “Healing Hearts Memorial Tree Dedication,” which will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Hays Public Library.

At this event, grief support group members place ornaments on a special Christmas tree remembering children they have lost. Each child’s name is read aloud as the ornaments are placed on the tree.

The public is welcome to attend this event. Individuals may simply watch, or they may bring their own special ornaments to remember a child they have lost. The group will provide a free ornament to anyone who wants one.

Grief support group plans meeting, tree dedication

'Know Your Water' scheduled Nov. 18

&nbsp;The City of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with CC Steel, LLC to conduct sewer line cleaning and sewer repairs at the locations shown on the attached maps.&nbsp; 

These projects will begin Tuesday, Nov. 12. 

Both projects should be completed by Jan. 31, 2025. 

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected 24 hours prior to cleaning and sewer repairs.

During this process, residents may experience a rumbling sound, in addition to the possibility of water entering your sink, bathtub and/or toilet. 

Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning and repair process. 

If you will not be home or on vacation during this time of sewer line cleaning and repairs, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact CC Steel LLC's onsite Supervisor at 701-318-0088, or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;

Sewer line cleaning begins Tuesday in Hays

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

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS….SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

Holy Family Elementary weekly update

Due to the observance of the Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be altered as follows:

 Monday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 12 will both be picked up on Tuesday, November 12. 

There will be no changes to the Wednesday, November 13 through Friday November 15 collection schedules.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclable will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to set your bags out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Hays refuse & recycling schedule change for Veterans Day

Ellis Knights of Columbus is having their annual Stag.

Doors open 5:30 with a social, Meal is at 6:30

There will be a raffle that has a gun, 50/50, and prizes

Meal is bull fries, gizzards, ham and beans.

Please call 785.259.2194 if you have any questions

Ellis Knights of Columbus stag scheduled for Nov. 8

A squirrel caused a power outage in downtown Hays on Thursday after coming into contact with an electrical post, leaving hundreds without power.

Midwest Energy field operations assistant Kaleigh Sonseson reported the squirrel climbed one of the utility's electrical posts.

Soneson said the incident caused a fuse to blow, leaving about 400 people without power from Sixth Street to Oak and Fort Streets.

Soneson said Midwest Energy first received reports of the power outage at 1:52 p.m. and the issue was resolved by 2:37 p.m.

Squirrel causes power outage in downtown Hays, leaving hundreds without power

My last day as a surgeon at Hays Medical Center was Tuesday, Nov. 12. My simple message to you is THANKS!

I was born in Western Kansas and raised in Dodge City, a seventh-generation Western Kansan. After graduating from Dodge City High School, I attended Wichita State University, followed by medical school at KU SOM and a surgery residency at KU Med. I joke with people when I tell them I have not made it far in life. In seven generations, my family has made it all of 164 miles.

In 2015, the choice was easy. I returned west to Hays Medical Center. During the last 9+ years, I have been blessed to be a small part of the medical journey of many. I have seen thousands of patients from Western Kansas and likewise performed thousands of operations, from appendectomies to cancer surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, or simple endoscopy.

I am also proud to say that through my skill set and love for colon and rectal surgery, I was able to advance the care of rural Kansans further. I feel blessed to have saved thousands of patients a trip to Kansas City or Wichita.

Lately, however, I have concluded that the regional hospital model for providing health care to rural residents in Kansas is not sustainable.

I have become disheartened over the last year as I watched at least 10 of my fellow doctors, some of whom have lived here for 20-30 years, leave Hays. This was not always because they desired to leave, but because if they refused to sign a contract with HMC.

They are effectively forced to move due to certain covenants in HMC contracts that limit physician mobility. The covenants prohibit them from practicing medicine, not just in Hays, but also Western Kansas. 

All the while, the Kansas Hospital Association, American College of Surgeons, and American Academy of Family Physicians have designated most of Western Kansas as being in a health care drought. This leaves access to quality medical or surgical care several counties away in some instances.

In the near future, I fully expect a whole slew of accusations and allegations, some about my skill set and others about my character. Some will believe that maybe I am a crusader.

If that implies having the courage to stand up for what is right they are correct. I am comfortable with the characterization of being a crusader because my only desire since finishing residency has been to provide excellent surgical care to people in Western Kansas, who deserve it just as much as those in Kansas City or Wichita.

I intend to carry on this crusade so that rural hospitals can provide the best care available anywhere to their own local people.

So once again, thank you Western Kansas for trusting me and allowing me to provide you with the health care that you deserve. Thank you too for welcoming my family and making them a part of the community.

Best wishes and God bless every single one of you, JMG Jerod M. Grove, M.D., FACS general surgeon, Western Kansas

LETTER: HaysMed surgeon announces departure

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> Kansas Reflector TOPEKA — The state suicide and crisis hotline received a record number of calls a day following the election, with LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking lines seeing especially high traffic.

Vibrant, the mental health company that administers Kansas’ 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, reported a one-day call record of 169 calls on Nov. 6, said ​​Cara Sloan-Ramos, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

The largest increases in call volumes occurred on the LGBTQ+ and Spanish lines, Sloan-Ramos said.

President-elect Donald Trump has promised upon taking office a crackdown on immigration, especially undocumented Mexican and Latin and Central American immigrants, through mass deportation. Plus, GOP gains in the Kansas Legislature open up&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/02/anti-lgbtq-bills-introduced-in-kansas-legislature-are-political-bullying-tactic-activists-say/">new opportunities</a>&nbsp;for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

“One of the things we know about suicide and suicidal behavior is that it is rarely connected to one circumstance but instead is most often a result of multiple factors, so correlation doesn’t exactly indicate causation,” Sloan-Ramos said in an email.

The statewide hotline received an average of 67 calls per day in November 2023 and about 53 calls daily in November 2022, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.khi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/988-Broad-State-Metrics-Report__KS_NA_to_2024-02-29.pdf" target="_blank">da</a><a href="https://www.khi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/988-Broad-State-Metrics-Report__KS_2022-01-01_to_2023-01-31.pdf" target="_blank">ta</a>&nbsp;from Vibrant.

The LGBTQ+ line, which launched in July 2023, received an average of six calls per day in its first eight months of operation. Average call volumes on the Spanish-speaking line are even lower, at about one call per day, according to 2023 metrics.

Vibrant offers tips for coping with election stress on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vibrant.org/coping-with-election-stress/" target="_blank">website</a>.

“When feelings of anxiety occur due to major national, regional, or community events like elections, it can exacerbate other anxieties people may be having that are not necessarily related to that event,” said an Oct. 17 blog post from Vibrant. “Memories of anxiety may also be triggered by such events, adding to current stress.”

Some tips include seeking social support, sticking to routines and balancing election-related media consumption.

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call or text 988 or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://988lifeline.org/" target="_blank">988lifeline.org</a>.

<a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/" target="_blank">Crisis Text Line</a>&nbsp;is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HOME to 741741. It is free, available 24/7 and confidential.

Kansas suicide and crisis hotline sees post-election spike

SMITH COUNTY –&nbsp;A man was convicted and sentenced in Smith County&nbsp; following a Kansas Bureau of Investigation case, according to a media release from the agency.

Smith County Attorney, Tabitha Owen, announced that a Smith County man 29-year-old Colter J. Ducote has been sentenced to seven presumptive life sentences after being convicted by a jury on seven counts of Jessica’s Law child sexual abuse charges. 

On Aug. 12, 2024, a Smith County jury trial convened and concluded on Aug. 14, 2024 with the guilty verdict.&nbsp;

The case was investigated by the KBI after a request for assistance from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office on July 24, 2023. A Special Agent assigned to the KBI West Child Victims Unit led the investigation regarding allegations that Ducote had committed the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. Ducote was convicted of seven counts of child sexual abuse, including; rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. The victim was 11 years old when she reported the sexual abuse by Ducote beginning at the age of six.

On October 31, Ducote was sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years-to-life on each of the seven counts of conviction; two counts will be served consecutively for a mandatory term of 50 years-to-life.

NW Kansas man sentenced for child sex crimes

FHSU crime log Nov. 8-14, 2024

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Feeding Hays program started as a small free meal program that provided about 10 meals once a week. It now feeds 250 to 300 people each Thursday night.

The program is wholly funded through monetary or in-kind donations.

With the significant increase in people fed, the program needs donations on a weekly basis, Ben Houchen, Feeding Hays director, said.

“We have a pretty regular stream of in-kind donations, but even with that, moving from the number of meals we were serving even a year ago at about 120 meals getting up to the point where we’re doing 250 to 300 meals means week to week we need donations every week to cover that. We don’t have a reserve of food or money to cover anything.”

The program cooks 125 pounds of spaghetti and 15 pounds of hamburger each night it serves meals.

“Because we want it to be a really solid, genuinely healthy, hearty meal, it does cost money,” Houchen said.

Feeding Hays provides a drive-through meal from 6:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at the St. Michael's Episcopal Church.

Free-will donations are accepted but not required. Participants don't need to show proof of income or make a reservation to receive a meal.

The free-will donations go to pay off lunch debt at the Hays USD 489 school district. The program hopes to donate $5,000 this year.

The meal is usually spaghetti with meat sauce, carrots with ranch dressing, bread and a cookie. However, outside groups have offered meals, including hamburgers, chicken and noodles, and loaded baked potatoes.

"The demographics are not what a lot of people would expect," Houchen said. "We do have a lot of people who are on that poverty line or below, but there are also a lot of older folks who want to be able to contribute to the efforts that we're doing."

"We have a lot of single moms or working parents who have done all they want to be able to do for the week, so they get a good meal on Thursday," Houchen said. "We've also seen a large growth recently in veterans ...

"A couple of weeks ago, I talked to a vet who was there that said this is the first time in about a month that he's had a hot meal and the first time in well over a month he's just had someone to stop and talk to him."

Feeding Hays volunteers are trying to secure the program its own nonprofit status so it can apply for more grants.&nbsp;

Program volunteers would like to add one to two more nights of meals to the program within the next six months to a year.

The program is fundraising so it can provide more variety in the meals it offers.

The program is selling raffle tickets between now and Nov. 29. The winners will be selected on Nov. 30. Prizes include a staycation package from Avid Hotels, a Fort Hays State University sports fan package, and a HALO griddle. <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/.../6802c783-1db9-48e8-af26...">CLICK HERE</a> for more information on the raffle.

The program accepts donations of spaghetti, sauce and hamburger. See the image below. It also accepts cleaning items such as paper towels, Swiffer&nbsp;Wet Pads, Clorox Cleaning Wipes and Dawn Powerwash dish soap.

The church, 2900 Canal Blvd., has a drop box for these items.

“We do have some people who make cash donations, and we’re looking to expand that so we can ensure sustainability for the future, expand our menu and grow some of the things that we’re doing,” Houchen said.

Businesses or organizations can also adopt an entire evening of meals to provide food and volunteers.

“We’ve had a lot of really great involvement with the community,” Houchen said. “Moving from that 10 a night to that 250 a night has taken huge community involvement.”

Groups including Rotary, Optimists and Women Who Lead have supported the program. McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, T-Mobile and Aaron Heating Air are a few of the businesses that have been supporters.&nbsp;

Houchen said the program is looking for consistent volunteers who can train to lead meals.

He said volunteers can go to the program's Facebook page or St. Michael’s website and contact Houchen directly.

You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047485065448690">Feeding Hays on Facebook</a> or find more information under the<a href="https://www.stmichaelshays.org/feeding-hays"> Feeding Hays tab on the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church website</a>.

🎙 Donations needed for Feeding Hays as meal count surges

Leaves turning from green to gold and russet, nippy mornings, and blue skies tinged with hints of gun-metal gray leave no doubt autumn has arrived, delivering its cornucopia of harvest goodies. Most of us see fall color and feel changes in daily temperatures, but few hear the haunting notes of autumn’s unusual song, trumpeted through the extended larynxes of thousands of migrating sandhill cranes.

Cranes flying overhead by the hundreds of thousands herald the first warm days of spring each year as they fly north to staging areas on the Platte River and later to nesting areas on the Alaskan and Canadian tundra. Each fall they tug winter’s frosty blasts behind them like Pigpen lugging his blanket behind him as they return to South Texas and Eastern New Mexico playas.

Long before spying them, I hear hoarse, rattling, trumpeting that only a bird with a nearly three-foot long, curved throat could produce. It is an old song, possibly sung for 65 million years, with at least 10 million of those years in the region of what is now Nebraska. Part of my brain, perhaps a segment that evolved eons ago when human footsteps were still fresh in the dust of this planet, responds to these lyrical notes. What I do know is that like folks who play “name that song” games on the radio, once I hear a note or two, I can distinguish lesser sandhill crane music from that of other migrating birds.

I first heard it this fall as I stood on our deck. Leaving pots of still blooming petunias, moss rose, and geraniums and the canopy of golden leaves hiding the grass, I hurried into a nearby field where I could scan the sky, searching for the ancient flying dinosaur shape of these long-necked, gangly-legged birds. Upon spying their silhouettes, it isn’t hard to imagine them as prehistoric creatures. Their flight path took them east of my position. I noted the slow wing beat and the careless grace of a couple hundred birds winging southward. The sun would set that night somewhere around six-thirty, telling me these birds had another good hour of flight before darkness descended.

Keeping the cranes in view as long as I could, I silently wished them travel mercies complete with ample food and water as they navigated toward the shallow lakes of their winter homes. Just as I heard them before laying eyes on them, the last notes of their chorus disappeared after they faded from sight. For a moment, I wondered if I imagined seeing these magical birds. Then, notes of another flock winging its way along the same route confirmed reality.

The following morning, I realized why I’d heard crane songs so loud and clear the afternoon before. The birds raced a cold front sweeping from the North. We’d soon awaken to a frosty world where ice imprisoned summer blooms and etched windows and lawn furniture with fanciful designs.

Every now and then as I work outside, I catch faint notes of distant stragglers following fellow cranes south. I wish them the same good fortune I wished those first flocks. Paradoxically, I long to hear that ancient song announcing the arrival of another spring.

MADORIN: Sandhill migration

<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

BETHANY, Okla. - In a thrilling semifinal clash GAC/MIAA Men's Soccer Tournament semifinal, No. 3 seed Fort Hays State and No. 2 seed Rogers State played to a 3-3 draw on Thursday evening. With 110 minutes not enough to determine an advancing team, the Tigers triumphed 7-6 in a dramatic penalty kick shootout to move on to the championship match on Saturday. The match officially goes on record as a tie, moving FHSU to 11-3-4 overall and RSU to 8-5-6 overall.

The match kicked off with high intensity, as both teams came out with strong energy. Rogers State struck first in the 15th minute when the Tigers were called for a foul inside the box, leading to a penalty kick converted by Marcos Vasallo. After about another 15 minutes passed, the Tigers leveled the match 33rd minute when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/dimitry-tchantcheu/8365">Dimitry Tchantcheu</a>&nbsp;showcased his scoring touch, burying a shot inside the box off a well-placed pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/tadhg-walsh/7942">Tadhg Walsh</a>.

The second half was an even more action-packed affair, with both teams trading blows in a thrilling display of attacking soccer. Just three minutes after the break, the Tigers grabbed their first lead of the match when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jeremiah-johnson/8553">Jeremiah Johnson</a>&nbsp;struck from the top of the box in the 49th minute, sending a powerful shot past Rogers State goalkeeper Declan Viljoen. However, FHSU's lead was short-lived as RSU responded in the 54th minute when Artur Carvalho headed home a well-executed corner kick, leveling the score at 2-2. Riding this momentum, Rogers State found the net again in the 64th minute through Noah Preston-Watkins, who finished off a counter-attack to put the Hillcats ahead 3-2.

With time ticking away and pressure mounting, the Tigers leveled the match once more in the 77th minute when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/lucas-garay/8346">Lucas Garay</a>&nbsp;netted a goal on a touch off a crossing pass from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/anders-sandsto/8318">Anders Sandsto</a>. The late equalizer reignited the Tigers, dominating possession in the final minutes of regulation. However, despite a relentless effort, they were unable to find the game-winner, and the match headed into extra time.

In the two overtime periods, both teams had their chances, but fatigue and defensive resilience kept the scoreline unchanged. Fort Hays State continued to press forward, unleashing a total of 23 shots throughout the match, with 14 on target, while Rogers State managed 14 shots with 10 on goal.

With the score still deadlocked after double overtime, the semifinal showdown came down to a dramatic penalty shootout. In a captivating sequence of shots, the Tigers finally prevailed 7-6 when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7926">Ben Dixon</a>&nbsp;made his second save of the shootout in the eighth round of shots to end the epic battle. Dixon made his first save in the third round of shots and FHSU led 4-3 through four rounds after makes from Walsh,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7935">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/felix-tellez-ramirez/8366">Felix Tellez Ramirez</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/chris-rios-cruz/7937">Chris Rios-Cruz</a>, but missed the fifth attempt and RSU leveled the count 4-4 on its fifth shot to force three extra rounds of shots. Garay,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ian-inigo/8352">Ian Inigo</a>, and Sandsto all converted shots before Dixon stoned Carvalho to end the match.

Leading the offensive charge for the Tigers, Tchantcheu recorded a game-high six shots, while Johnson and Walsh contributed four apiece. For Rogers State, Carvalho led the way with five shots, followed by Vasallo with four.

Both goalkeepers provided tremendous performances for their teams. Dixon was a huge presence for the Tigers, making seven crucial saves throughout the match. On the other end, Viljoen kept the Hillcats in the game with 11 saves, repeatedly denying Fort Hays State's attempts to secure the victory in regulation.

The Tigers kept their season alive and turn their attention to the championship match on Saturday at 1 p.m., when they will face the winner of the other semifinal between No. 1 seed Southern Nazarene and No. 4 seed Newman.

 Tiger men advance to GAC Championship after epic PK shootout

Friday, November 15
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WBKB vs. Adams State, 5:05pm
 KKQY: Hill City vs. South Central, 5:15*
 KAYS: Victoria FB vs. Central Christian, 5:45pm
 KHAZ: Plainville FB at Conway Springs, 5:45pm
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Hutchinson, 6:30pm

Saturday, November 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
FB at Nebraska-Kearney, 11:00am
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Oakland, 3:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WBKB vs. MSU Denver, 4:35pm
 KAYS: Kansas FB at BYU, 7:30pm

Sunday, November 17
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, 2:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

NEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State women's cross country team is ranked 25th in the latest USTFCCCA NCAA Division II National Coaches' Poll, released Wednesday by the coaches organization. The Tigers moved down two spots after finishing sixth at the Central Region Championships last weekend in Joplin, Mo.

Fort Hays State is the top-ranked team that did not earn a bid to the 2024 NCAA Division II Championships. The Tigers won three races during the regular season and did not finish behind a Division II school until the postseason when they suffered just seven head-to-head losses.

The Tigers earned 45 points in the voting process, 10 behind 24th-ranked Colorado Mesa. Adams State received all eight possible first-place votes and will enter the NCAA DII Championships as the favorite next Saturday (Nov. 23) in Sacramento, Calif.

While the Tigers were not chosen to compete as a team, Fort Hays State will still have representation at the national meet with junior&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/emily-diercks/8438">Emily Diercks</a>&nbsp;chosen to run as an individual thanks to her seventh-place finish at the regional championship.2024 was the first season the FHSU women's program was ranked in the national polls more than once during the regular season. The Tigers had been ranked prior to the national championships just once during the team's NCAA DII era (since 1991).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♀️ FHSU women 25th in latest cross county poll

INDIANAPOLIS – Fort Hays State was ranked No. 11 in the final edition of the NCAA Super Region 3 rankings, released on November 13, 2024. Ten teams from the Super Region will be selected to the NCAA Tournament, which begins next week following conference tournaments throughout the country this week.

Four of the ten teams selected to the Super Region 3 field of the NCAA Tournament will be automatic selections, which includes conference tournament champions from the GAC, GLVC, GMAC, and GLIAC conferences. Fort Hays State is the No. 3 seed in the GAC Tournament this week, which will be held Thursday and Saturday (Nov. 14 and 16) in Bethany, Oklahoma hosted by No. 1 seed Southern Nazarene.

According to the Super Region 3 PDF found at the bottom of the region rankings on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/soccer-men/d2/regional-rankings">NCAA.com</a>, Fort Hays State has the 10th-best performance indicator and 11th-best RPI in Super Region 3. FHSU has the second-best in-region record (11-2-2) with an .800 win percentage and the third-best win-loss percentage against NCAA Division II competition in the region (11-3-3) at .735.

The Tigers will be attempting to knock off Rogers State in the GAC Tournament Semifinals, which currently holds the No. 10 ranking in the Super Region. The only categories Rogers State holds an edge over FHSU on the Super Region formula PDF is strength of schedule (.537 compared to .476) and RPI (10th&nbsp;compared to 11th), otherwise FHSU holds the advantage in three categories for in-region win-loss record, win-loss record in NCAA Division II matches, and performance indicator. The win percentage against teams with above .500 records is dead even between FHSU and RSU. The Hillcats are 1-0-1 against the Tigers this year, so FHSU is looking to level the results between the teams for the year. The semifinal match could be a big key for FHSU elevating in the super region rankings even more after ranking No. 12 last week, but still must go into the conference tournament with the mindset of winning the tournament title and taking the automatic qualifier. Otherwise, it is left in the hands of the NCAA Tournament committee.

Though Saginaw Valley State still leads the Super Region rankings, No. 2 ranked McKendree owns the top RPI and performance indicator in the region. McKendree has not lost a match this season, currently at 12-0-6 overall.

The NCAA Tournament selection show for NCAA Division II Men's Soccer is set for Monday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. A total of 40 schools are selected to the national tournament (10 from each of four Super Regions).&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU men 11th in final NCAA Super Region Rankings

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs got three of their key players back from injuries Wednesday when wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster joined running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu on the practice squad ahead of this weekend's trip to Buffalo.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said there's a chance Smith-Schuster would play in the pivotal matchup between the unbeaten Chiefs and the Bills. He's been out since Week 7, when he hurt his hamstring in the opening minutes of a win over San Francisco.

“We'll see as he goes through practice,” Reid said. “If it's up to him, he's back.”

Smith-Schuster's injury, coupled with earlier injuries to wide receivers Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice, were big reasons why the Chiefs traded a draft pick to Tennessee to land DeAndre Hopkins. And while they share similar skill sets, Smith-Schuster and Hopkins also have some different abilities, and there is a chance they could see the field at the same time Sunday.

As for Pacheco and Omenihu, Reid called it “unlikely” that they would play in their first game after rejoining practice.

Pacheco fractured his fibula in Week 2 against Cincinnati and required surgery. The initial timeline called for him to return in six to eight weeks, and that puts Pacheco right on schedule. But the Chiefs also are not desperate for him to return to the backfield with Kareem Hunt playing so well since he was signed essentially off the couch when Pacheco went down.

Hunt has touched the ball at least 21 times each of the past five games. And despite having no real offseason or training camp, he has run for 449 yards and five scores and caught 14 passes for 116 yards in his first six games.

The Chiefs hope that adding Pacheco to the backfield in the coming weeks will lighten Hunt's load, though, and perhaps keep both running backs in better shape for the stretch run. In fact, it could look a lot like the one-two punch of Hunt and Nick Chubb that the Browns have had for most of the past five years.

“I'm happy for him, and I know he's excited to get back out there. I think it's going to be a heck of a backfield,” Hunt said. “I think it could be very similar (to Cleveland). I'm excited. I'm used to working with other great backs and stuff like that.”

Omenihu had been on the physically unable to perform list ever since the defensive end tore his ACL in the Chiefs' AFC title game win in Baltimore. The Chiefs have been biding their time until he could return by leaning heavily on George Karlaftis, Mike Danna and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, then added Josh Uche to the pass rush group in a trade with New England.

Omenihu was a force in 11 games for Kansas City last season, piling up seven sacks and forcing a pair of fumbles.

"All these players are different in regards to how they come back from injury,” Chiefs manager Brett Veach told a small group of reporters Wednesday. “They all heal differently. And the exact nature and the rehab and the body and all that — I mean, they’re just so different. Some of these kids, they hit the ground running. Some of these guys, it takes a few games. Some of these guys it takes a few months. Some of these guys, it takes a whole year. There’s a big unknown there.”

🏈 Chiefs get Smith-Schuster, Pacheco and Omenihu back on practice field following injuries

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - Fort Hays State had eight players named to the All-GAC/MIAA Men's Soccer Team for the 2024 season. The Tigers had three first-team selections, two second-team selections, and three honorable mention picks, as voted on by coaches of the seven conference programs. The Tigers also had 11 individuals received GAC All-Academic honors.

Earning first-team honors were midfielder&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/a51fffaf-e4ec-4502-9836-64b22583f021?elinkdata=241610">Tadhg Walsh</a>, forward&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8a936b38-2391-412b-9b2f-a42ba506b105?elinkdata=241610">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>, and defender&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/097cc559-80ff-4017-bb5b-f6fe58529f9b?elinkdata=241610">Marcos German</a>. Second-team selections went to midfielder&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4028a07e-e108-4fb4-bc33-1d71e908216b?elinkdata=241610">Bryce Dickerson</a>&nbsp;and defender&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b37830eb-2661-47c4-9aa5-c167aba212f4?elinkdata=241610">Jeremiah Johnson</a>. Honorable mention selections were forward&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/be429b83-f1bd-46b1-9414-bb28e3406a06?elinkdata=241610">Bastian Carlman</a>, forward&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8ee0fcf5-c26f-41aa-9ca2-10939c3f5da6?elinkdata=241610">Felix Tellez Ramirez</a>, and defender&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/90545386-fbb0-4355-aab9-66465cb7fdef?elinkdata=241610">Jackson Elgas</a>.

Walsh is now a three-time all-conference selection in his third year with the Tigers. He is a repeat selection on the first team this season after receiving the same honor in 2023 and was an honorable mention pick as a freshman back in 2022. Walsh finished the regular season tied for the national lead in assists with 14. The 14 assists is currently tied for the single-season record at FHSU, matching the amount produced by Derick Gonzalez in 2017. Walsh started the year recording assists in five-straight matches, recording half of his total in the month of September. He has scored a goal and added at least one assist in all four matches he scored in this season. Walsh has 36 career points (8 goals, 20 assists) and leads FHSU with 22 this season (4 goals, 14 assists), already doubling his point total of 11 from the 2023 season.Ovelar 

Semeniuk is now a two-time all-conference selection. He moved up to the first team this year after a second-team selection last year. He enters postseason play tied for the team lead in goals with eight, while adding three assists. His 19 points ranks second for the Tigers. He had one hat trick for goals in a home contest against Ouachita Baptist earlier this season and leads the GAC in game-winning goals this season with three. He ranks third in the GAC in goals, fifth in points, and eighth in shots. He has 35 total points in his career, now with 15 goals and five assists over two seasons.

German is now a four-time all-conference selection overall in his collegiate career after being a three-time first-team selection at Central Methodist University in the Heart of America Conference at the NAIA level. He was also a three-time All-America selection at CMU. Though his primary role on the team has been defender, German has been utilized in both the midfield and in attacking situations for the Tigers this season. He has 16 points for the season with four goals and eight assists. He ranks third in the GAC for assists and second for the Tigers behind Walsh's national-leading number. He ranks seventh in the GAC in points. Now in his fifth year of collegiate soccer, German has an impressive 102 career points with 27 goals and 48 assists. He produced 23 goals and 40 assists over his four years at CMU.

Dickerson picked up the first all-conference selection of his career after playing at Maryville University for two years and Florida Memorial University for one year. He is a second-team selection in the midfield this year with three goals and five assists (11 points). Dickerson has started all 17 matches for the Tigers this season, playing 1,278 minutes. Dickerson now has 19 points in his collegiate career with a total of six goals and seven assists.

Johnson received the second all-conference selection of his collegiate career with a second-team selection at defender this season. He was an All-Heart of America Conference second-team selection as well in 2022 at Central Methodist University, one of his previous two stops before coming to FHSU this season. Johnson has two goals and two assists this season (six points). One of his goals was a game winner. He has started 16 of 17 matches this season and played 1,284 minutes. Johnson has 31 points in his collegiate career with nine goals and 13 assists over four years.

Carlman is an honorable mention selection in his first year of collegiate soccer. He posted an impressive eight goals in just 11 regular season matches, dealing with injuries throughout the season. He is tied for the team lead in goals and has 18 points this season (8 goals, 2 assists) to rank third on the team. He has two-game winning goals this year and had a hat trick in a 5-0 win over Maryville University in September.

Tellez Ramirez is now a three-time all-conference selection in the GAC/MIAA after earning the distinction twice at Newman University. The graduate transfer has one goal and one assist for the Tigers this year in 10 matches, also battling injury issues throughout the season. He was a two-time second-team selection at Newman in 2022 and 2023. He has 38 points in his collegiate career with 12 goals and 14 assists over five years.

Elgas is now a two-time all-conference honorable mention performer at defender. He received the same distinction back in his freshman season of 2022. Starting all 16 matches he has played in this season, he has played 1,166 minutes helping solidify the Tiger back line. Though he has no points this season, he has 10 in his three-year career at FHSU with two goals and six assists.

Five of the eight all-conference selections (Walsh, Ovelar Semeniuk, Dickerson, Tellez Ramirez, and Elgas) were also part of the 11 individuals named to the GAC/MIAA Academic Honor Roll. All athletes with at least a 3.5 GPA and a minimum of one-year, full-time college residency were eligible for this honor. Joining the five previously mentioned were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f545179d-ed43-4bed-be2f-5efd2f86a42b?elinkdata=241610">Harrison Bensouda</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/a9819888-3e0a-4126-828b-844d34ec72d2?elinkdata=241610">Collin Hershberger</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/c75f56d8-980c-4e46-a945-95671aadebfd?elinkdata=241610">Ian Inigo</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/a3ddcea4-3647-47e9-b890-e5bf10306d46?elinkdata=241610">Mathis Lefevre</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0cd6ef97-a6a0-45e9-be3f-4f56d24cbd62?elinkdata=241610">Anders Sandsto</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b83aac41-d3ed-42e6-adc1-ea93a059ec27?elinkdata=241610">Dimitry Tchantcheu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Eight FHSU men named All-GAC/MIAA team

Hays High has changed their college athletic signing ceremonies. They now hold one signing day per month. The first of this new format was Wednesday in Gym A.

Kaelin Maier knew how to hit hard. She came up playing volleyball and softball. Her freshman year though she transitioned to tennis. Coach Kayla Brown noticed that Maier won most of her points by hitting the ball so hard the opponent couldn't return the ball. Brown also knew that wouldn't work as well against better competition in the future.

Maier spent the rest of the high school career becoming a more complete tennis player. Something that caught the eye of Tabor College out of Hillsboro, KS.&nbsp;

Maier made her decision official on Wednesday signing to play for the Bluejays. Coach Brown believes Maier is the first Hays High female tennis player to sign at the collegiate level.

Maier was mostly a doubles player for the Indians. She teamed up with classmate Alyse Zimmerman to form the #1 doubles team at Hays High. The two tied for first at the Western Athletic Conference meet this past fall season.&nbsp;

Maier was 45-22 over a two year varsity career.

Molly Martin has played at the varsity level in basketball from the moment she hit the floor at Hays High School as a freshman. The now senior has one season left but is already one of the most decorated players in program history.

Wednesday Martin signed to play basketball for the Ottawa Braves. The coaching staff contacted her in the fall of 2023. A visit to campus and the program sealed the deal for the Indians all-time leading three point shot maker at 105.

Martin's career high of 25 points scored in a game last season was the 5th highest single game total.&nbsp;She sits in the top ten in career points at 763. She tied a school record with seven assists in a single game and is fifth all-time in the assist category at 126.

Last season she collected 74 steals which was third most in a single season and needs to add one steal to her career total of 164 to tie the school record.

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