By JONATHAN ZWEYGRDT Hays Post

The TMP-Marian Monarchs basketball teams are set to open the
season Thursday night in the first round of the Hays City Shootout against the
host Hays High Indians.

The two programs start the season in two different positions.

The girls' program, led by second-year head coach John Linn,
are coming off the seventh state tournament appearance in program history,
suffering a first-round loss to Moundridge.

They must replace their leading scorer and rebounder. 

TMP’s lone returing scorer is senior Claire Schippers.

The TMP boys return all five starters from last season and
11 players who have varsity experience. 

Coach Bill Meagher enters his fifth season as Monarchs head
coach and returns 2A All-State selection and leading scorer Ty Schmeidler.
Jacob Seib and Grant Nehls also earned all-MCL honors a year ago.

The Monarchs boys and girls tipoff against Hays High at 6:30
p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Thursday night against Hays High at Hays High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680362998724.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGRDT Hays PostThe TMP-Marian Monarchs basketball teams are set to open the
season Thursday night in the first round of the Hays City Shootout against the
host Hays High Indians.The two programs start the season in two different positions.The girls' program, led by second-year head coach John Linn,
are coming off the seventh state tournament appearance in program history,
suffering a first-round loss to Moundridge.They must replace their leading scorer and rebounder. TMP’s lone returing scorer is senior Claire Schippers.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2223665582&color=%234d4d8a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-girls-basketball-coach-john-linn" title="TMP girls basketball coach John Linn" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP girls basketball coach John Linn</a></div></div>The TMP boys return all five starters from last season and
11 players who have varsity experience. Coach Bill Meagher enters his fifth season as Monarchs head
coach and returns 2A All-State selection and leading scorer Ty Schmeidler.
Jacob Seib and Grant Nehls also earned all-MCL honors a year ago.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2223665933&color=%234d4d8a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-boys-basketball-coach-bill-meagher" title="TMP boys basketball coach Bill Meagher" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP boys basketball coach Bill Meagher</a></div></div>The Monarchs boys and girls tipoff against Hays High at 6:30
p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Thursday night against Hays High at Hays High School.

🏀🎧 Monarchs set to open season at Shootout

MANHATTAN, Kan. – After guiding the Wildcats to a 2022 Big 12 Championship and six bowl games in seven seasons, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement from coaching on Wednesday afternoon.

“After many deep and thoughtful conversations with my family, we have decided that the time is right for me to retire from coaching,” said Klieman, the second-winningest coach in school history with 54 victories. “This decision was not taken lightly and was the culmination of many factors, including my own personal health. I absolutely love coaching the game of football and developing players into young men, but now is the time for me to step away and spend more time with Rhonda and our three kids. I truly am thankful to Gene Taylor for trusting me with this program in 2018, and we have accomplished many great things including winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship. K-State will always be a special part of our family’s story, and we will forever be Wildcats.”

The Wildcats’ 54 wins during Klieman’s seven-year tenure are the most among active Big 12 programs. K-State’s six total bowl appearances are tied for the most in the conference, while the Wildcats are one of two Big 12 programs to advance to the postseason each of the last five seasons. Additionally, Klieman kept the Governor’s Cup in Manhattan for seven-straight years and extended K-State’s winning streak over its in-state rival to 17-consecutive seasons.

“This has been an emotional day for myself, my family and Coach Klieman. Our friendship and family go back to when we first started working together at North Dakota State,” athletics director Gene Taylor said. “Chris Klieman has built a program and culture that embodies what it means to be a K-Stater. Following a legend was no easy task, and he quickly established himself as one of the best coaches in the Big 12 Conference and one of the most successful in our program’s history. He is a special person, and we have been fortunate to have him leading the young men in our program and being a first-class representative of Kansas State University. I will miss being able to work with Coach Klieman on a daily basis, and it has been an honor to do so the last several years. We wish him, Rhonda and the kids all the success and happiness they desire as they enter this next phase of their lives.”

“Coach Klieman is a person of tremendous character, and I appreciate his passion for his players and their success,” University President Dr. Richard Linton said. “Chris is a K-State Wildcat to his core. I am grateful for his dedication and leadership of our football program, and I wish Chris and his family well.”

Instilling a culture of selflessness, discipline, toughness and commitment during his time guiding the Wildcats, Klieman guided K-State to eight or more wins in five of his seven seasons, including five victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 – the most of any active Big 12 program since 2019 – while they have eight wins over top-20 teams since 2019 – tied for the second most among current Big 12 teams. He led the Wildcats to 10 wins in 2022 and nine wins in both 2023 and 2024, the longest streak of nine or more wins since the 1990s.

Klieman presided over 26 First Team All-American designations and eight total All-Americans in Felix Anudike-Uzomah (2021, 2022), Phillip Brooks (2020), Cooper Beebe (2022, 2023), Malik Knowles (2021, 2022), Randen Plattner (2022, 2023), Ben Sinnott (2023), Deuce Vaughn (2020, 2021, 2022) and Joshua Youngblood (2019).

Under Klieman’s guidance, Vaughn became the second player in school history to earn consecutive Consensus All-America honors when he picked up the accolades in 2021 and 2022, while Beebe was the first offensive lineman to be named a Consensus All-American when he earned the honor in 2023.

Klieman also overall 104 total All-Big 12 accolades with 2025 honors pending. Among those were the 2019 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year (Youngblood), 2020 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (Vaughn), 2021 Defensive Lineman of the Year (Anudike-Uzomah), 2022 Big 12 Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year (Anudike-Uzomah), 2022 and 2023 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year (Beebe) and 2024 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year (Bredan Mott).

Not only has Klieman’s tenure produced success on the field, but with his mantra of “how you do one thing is how you do everything” has come success in the classroom. Over Klieman’s first six seasons, K-State produced a combined 212 Academic All-Big 12 honors – the second most in the conference during that timeframe – which included a school record 45 in 2023. Additionally, the Wildcats boasted three National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athletes under Klieman in Adam Holtorf (2019), Adrian Martinez (2022) and Beebe (2023).

A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Klieman began his career as a graduate assistant as his alma mater, Northern Iowa, and made stops at Western Illinois, Kansas, Missouri State, Loras College and North Dakota State. He was a three-time All-Gateway Conference defensive back at Northern Iowa and four-year letterwinner from 1986 to 1990. He graduated from UNI in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in health education and a master’s degree in physical education in 1992.

Klieman and his wife, Rhonda, are parents of two sons, Devin and Colby, and one daughter, Haley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764793596826.png" alt="Kansas State Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – After guiding the Wildcats to a 2022 Big 12 Championship and six bowl games in seven seasons, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced his retirement from coaching on Wednesday afternoon.“After many deep and thoughtful conversations with my family, we have decided that the time is right for me to retire from coaching,” said Klieman, the second-winningest coach in school history with 54 victories. “This decision was not taken lightly and was the culmination of many factors, including my own personal health. I absolutely love coaching the game of football and developing players into young men, but now is the time for me to step away and spend more time with Rhonda and our three kids. I truly am thankful to Gene Taylor for trusting me with this program in 2018, and we have accomplished many great things including winning the 2022 Big 12 Championship. K-State will always be a special part of our family’s story, and we will forever be Wildcats.”The Wildcats’ 54 wins during Klieman’s seven-year tenure are the most among active Big 12 programs. K-State’s six total bowl appearances are tied for the most in the conference, while the Wildcats are one of two Big 12 programs to advance to the postseason each of the last five seasons. Additionally, Klieman kept the Governor’s Cup in Manhattan for seven-straight years and extended K-State’s winning streak over its in-state rival to 17-consecutive seasons.“This has been an emotional day for myself, my family and Coach Klieman. Our friendship and family go back to when we first started working together at North Dakota State,” athletics director Gene Taylor said. “Chris Klieman has built a program and culture that embodies what it means to be a K-Stater. Following a legend was no easy task, and he quickly established himself as one of the best coaches in the Big 12 Conference and one of the most successful in our program’s history. He is a special person, and we have been fortunate to have him leading the young men in our program and being a first-class representative of Kansas State University. I will miss being able to work with Coach Klieman on a daily basis, and it has been an honor to do so the last several years. We wish him, Rhonda and the kids all the success and happiness they desire as they enter this next phase of their lives.”“Coach Klieman is a person of tremendous character, and I appreciate his passion for his players and their success,” University President Dr. Richard Linton said. “Chris is a K-State Wildcat to his core. I am grateful for his dedication and leadership of our football program, and I wish Chris and his family well.”Instilling a culture of selflessness, discipline, toughness and commitment during his time guiding the Wildcats, Klieman guided K-State to eight or more wins in five of his seven seasons, including five victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 – the most of any active Big 12 program since 2019 – while they have eight wins over top-20 teams since 2019 – tied for the second most among current Big 12 teams. He led the Wildcats to 10 wins in 2022 and nine wins in both 2023 and 2024, the longest streak of nine or more wins since the 1990s.Klieman presided over 26 First Team All-American designations and eight total All-Americans in Felix Anudike-Uzomah (2021, 2022), Phillip Brooks (2020), Cooper Beebe (2022, 2023), Malik Knowles (2021, 2022), Randen Plattner (2022, 2023), Ben Sinnott (2023), Deuce Vaughn (2020, 2021, 2022) and Joshua Youngblood (2019).Under Klieman’s guidance, Vaughn became the second player in school history to earn consecutive Consensus All-America honors when he picked up the accolades in 2021 and 2022, while Beebe was the first offensive lineman to be named a Consensus All-American when he earned the honor in 2023.Klieman also overall 104 total All-Big 12 accolades with 2025 honors pending. Among those were the 2019 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year (Youngblood), 2020 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (Vaughn), 2021 Defensive Lineman of the Year (Anudike-Uzomah), 2022 Big 12 Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year (Anudike-Uzomah), 2022 and 2023 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year (Beebe) and 2024 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year (Bredan Mott).Not only has Klieman’s tenure produced success on the field, but with his mantra of “how you do one thing is how you do everything” has come success in the classroom. Over Klieman’s first six seasons, K-State produced a combined 212 Academic All-Big 12 honors – the second most in the conference during that timeframe – which included a school record 45 in 2023. Additionally, the Wildcats boasted three National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athletes under Klieman in Adam Holtorf (2019), Adrian Martinez (2022) and Beebe (2023).A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Klieman began his career as a graduate assistant as his alma mater, Northern Iowa, and made stops at Western Illinois, Kansas, Missouri State, Loras College and North Dakota State. He was a three-time All-Gateway Conference defensive back at Northern Iowa and four-year letterwinner from 1986 to 1990. He graduated from UNI in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in health education and a master’s degree in physical education in 1992.Klieman and his wife, Rhonda, are parents of two sons, Devin and Colby, and one daughter, Haley.

🏈 K-State’s Chris Klieman announces retirement

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed first-round pick Josh Simmons on injured reserve Wednesday following surgery to repair a fractured and dislocated left wrist, leaving them without their starting left tackle as they try to claw back into the postseason picture.

The Chiefs are 6-6 and 10th in the AFC race heading into Sunday night's game against the Houston Texans.

Simmons started the first five games of the season, then missed the next four while dealing with a family matter. He returned to start in a loss to Denver and a win over Indianapolis before getting hurt in last week's Thanksgiving Day loss in Dallas.

“Listen, the kid loves to play football. He's down about that part,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “But he's upbeat. The surgery went well, which is a real positive, so he feels good about that. And then its just a matter of coming back.”

Simmons missed most of last season at Ohio State after tearing the patellar tendon in his knee. But his recovery exceeded almost all expectations, and he was back in time to not only participate in fall camp but win the starting left tackle job early.

“He did a great job with his knee coming back,” Reid said. “Whatever he can do to rehab it, he's going to do. That's how he rolls.”

Esa Pole has moved up from the practice squad to replace Simmons on the active roster.

What compounds the problem for the Chiefs is that along with Simmons, they are missing right guard Trey Smith with an ankle injury and right tackle Jawaan Taylor because of a triceps strain. Both missed practice on Wednesday, and it appears likely that they will enter their game against Houston with three replacements along the offensive line.

Wanya Morris is expected to replace Simmons on the blind side of Patrick Mahomes, while Mike Caliendo will slide into the lineup for Smith at guard. Jaylon Moore, who played well in place of Simmons earlier this season, will fill in for Taylor at right tackle.

“For us, whoever is going to be in the game is going to be ready to go,” Chiefs center Creed Humphrey said. “It's just making sure that communication is good, everyone is on the same page and everyone is ready to play.”

Mahomes did acknowledge that the ball may have to come out of his hands a bit quicker, but not just because of the fill-ins. They also will be going against one of the NFL's best defenses, one that ranks first in total yardage and scoring.

Hardly an ideal situation for what is nearly a must-win game for the reigning AFC champions.

When the Chiefs were unable to beat the Cowboys last week, and a series of results over the weekend did not go their way, they slid even deeper in the playoff pecking order. They are just 3-4 against the rest of the conference, which hurts them when it comes to tiebreakers, and they have already lost once apiece to the AFC West-rival Broncos and Chargers.

“We just have to execute at a higher level. We've done a lot of good things but we've made a lot of mistakes that we haven't been able to overcome,” Mahomes said. “We're going to have to throw it all out there and try to find a way to win, and this will be a big game for us to show who we are and who we can be moving into the end of the season.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762867637580.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Orchard Park. N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Orchard Park. N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed first-round pick Josh Simmons on injured reserve Wednesday following surgery to repair a fractured and dislocated left wrist, leaving them without their starting left tackle as they try to claw back into the postseason picture.The Chiefs are 6-6 and 10th in the AFC race heading into Sunday night's game against the Houston Texans.Simmons started the first five games of the season, then missed the next four while dealing with a family matter. He returned to start in a loss to Denver and a win over Indianapolis before getting hurt in last week's Thanksgiving Day loss in Dallas.“Listen, the kid loves to play football. He's down about that part,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “But he's upbeat. The surgery went well, which is a real positive, so he feels good about that. And then its just a matter of coming back.”Simmons missed most of last season at Ohio State after tearing the patellar tendon in his knee. But his recovery exceeded almost all expectations, and he was back in time to not only participate in fall camp but win the starting left tackle job early.“He did a great job with his knee coming back,” Reid said. “Whatever he can do to rehab it, he's going to do. That's how he rolls.”Esa Pole has moved up from the practice squad to replace Simmons on the active roster.What compounds the problem for the Chiefs is that along with Simmons, they are missing right guard Trey Smith with an ankle injury and right tackle Jawaan Taylor because of a triceps strain. Both missed practice on Wednesday, and it appears likely that they will enter their game against Houston with three replacements along the offensive line.Wanya Morris is expected to replace Simmons on the blind side of Patrick Mahomes, while Mike Caliendo will slide into the lineup for Smith at guard. Jaylon Moore, who played well in place of Simmons earlier this season, will fill in for Taylor at right tackle.“For us, whoever is going to be in the game is going to be ready to go,” Chiefs center Creed Humphrey said. “It's just making sure that communication is good, everyone is on the same page and everyone is ready to play.”Mahomes did acknowledge that the ball may have to come out of his hands a bit quicker, but not just because of the fill-ins. They also will be going against one of the NFL's best defenses, one that ranks first in total yardage and scoring.Hardly an ideal situation for what is nearly a must-win game for the reigning AFC champions.When the Chiefs were unable to beat the Cowboys last week, and a series of results over the weekend did not go their way, they slid even deeper in the playoff pecking order. They are just 3-4 against the rest of the conference, which hurts them when it comes to tiebreakers, and they have already lost once apiece to the AFC West-rival Broncos and Chargers.“We just have to execute at a higher level. We've done a lot of good things but we've made a lot of mistakes that we haven't been able to overcome,” Mahomes said. “We're going to have to throw it all out there and try to find a way to win, and this will be a big game for us to show who we are and who we can be moving into the end of the season.”

🏈 Chiefs place Josh Simmons on injured reserve after wrist surgery

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Wednesday, December 3
 none

Thursday, December 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Central Missouri, 5:05pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. TMP-Marian, , 6:10pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Hays High, 6:10pm

Friday, December 5
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Hugoton/Salina Central, 6:10pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Hugoton/Salina Central, 6:10pm

Saturday, December 6
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Washburn, 12:35pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Hays City Shootout, TBD
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Hays City Shootout, TBD

Sunday, December 7
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Missouri, 10:30am KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB vs. Houston Texans, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, December 3
 noneThursday, December 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Central Missouri, 5:05pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. TMP-Marian, , 6:10pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Hays High, 6:10pmFriday, December 5
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Hugoton/Salina Central, 6:10pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Hugoton/Salina Central, 6:10pmSaturday, December 6
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Washburn, 12:35pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Hays City Shootout, TBD
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Hays City Shootout, TBDSunday, December 7
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Missouri, 10:30am KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB vs. Houston Texans, 6:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Solo Ball scored 17 points, Braylon Mullins also had 17 in a breakout performance by the freshman guard, and fifth-ranked UConn overcame a seven-point deficit in the second half to beat No. 21 Kansas 61-56 on Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

Eric Reibe added 12 points and Alex Karaban scored 11 for the Huskies (7-1), who defeated the Jayhawks (6-3) for the first time in five tries while picking up their third — and arguably most impressive — win over a ranked opponent already this season.

Kansas had a chance to tie the game late after Silas Demary Jr. missed a short jumper. But rather than attempt a tying 3-pointer, the Jayhawks' Jamari McDowell drove to the rim and had his shot blocked by Mullins with just under 10 seconds to go.

Mullins was fouled and made a pair of free throws to put away the game.

Flory Bidunga had 11 points and 12 rebounds to lead Kansas. Melvin Council Jr. added 12 points and Elmark Jackson scored 11.

Both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-darryn-peterson-442e30890932697161787fbe8c8e6ade">teams were missing stars</a>: Kansas was without five-star prospect Darryn Peterson for the seventh time because of a lingering hamstring injury, and UConn played without big man Tarris Reed Jr. because of his own ankle injury.

Still, the showdown between storied programs that each claim six national championships lived up to the hype.

The Jayhawks, coming off three wins without Peterson at the Players Era Festival, leaned into the same formula of tough defense and aggressive rebounding, while the Huskies tried to get into the open court and run. And through the first 20 minutes, Kansas was able to set the tone, threatening a double-digit lead on a couple of occasions and leading 33-28 at the break.

The Huskies clawed their way back into the game behind some defense of their own. They held the Jayhawks to two field goals over the first 12-plus minutes of the second half, and Mullins finally helped UConn regain the lead with 10 minutes to go.

Ball helped stretch it to 55-49 before back-to-back baskets by Bidunga and Council tightened it up again.

Eventually, the Huskies had enough to hold on down the stretch.

UConn plays East Texas A&amp;M on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764733015325.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Solo Ball scored 17 points, Braylon Mullins also had 17 in a breakout performance by the freshman guard, and fifth-ranked UConn overcame a seven-point deficit in the second half to beat No. 21 Kansas 61-56 on Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.Eric Reibe added 12 points and Alex Karaban scored 11 for the Huskies (7-1), who defeated the Jayhawks (6-3) for the first time in five tries while picking up their third — and arguably most impressive — win over a ranked opponent already this season.Kansas had a chance to tie the game late after Silas Demary Jr. missed a short jumper. But rather than attempt a tying 3-pointer, the Jayhawks' Jamari McDowell drove to the rim and had his shot blocked by Mullins with just under 10 seconds to go.Mullins was fouled and made a pair of free throws to put away the game.Flory Bidunga had 11 points and 12 rebounds to lead Kansas. Melvin Council Jr. added 12 points and Elmark Jackson scored 11.Both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-darryn-peterson-442e30890932697161787fbe8c8e6ade">teams were missing stars</a>: Kansas was without five-star prospect Darryn Peterson for the seventh time because of a lingering hamstring injury, and UConn played without big man Tarris Reed Jr. because of his own ankle injury.Still, the showdown between storied programs that each claim six national championships lived up to the hype.The Jayhawks, coming off three wins without Peterson at the Players Era Festival, leaned into the same formula of tough defense and aggressive rebounding, while the Huskies tried to get into the open court and run. And through the first 20 minutes, Kansas was able to set the tone, threatening a double-digit lead on a couple of occasions and leading 33-28 at the break.The Huskies clawed their way back into the game behind some defense of their own. They held the Jayhawks to two field goals over the first 12-plus minutes of the second half, and Mullins finally helped UConn regain the lead with 10 minutes to go.Ball helped stretch it to 55-49 before back-to-back baskets by Bidunga and Council tightened it up again.Eventually, the Huskies had enough to hold on down the stretch.<h2>Up next</h2>UConn plays East Texas A&amp;M on Friday night.

🏀 Mullins' breakout performance lifts UConn over KU at Allen Fieldhouse

LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team is back to No. 3 in the nation according to the most recent WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday (Dec. 2) by the coaches association. The Tigers previously moved to No. 3 in the country two weeks ago before dipping one spot to No. 4 last week.

Now 6-0 for the 13th time in team history, Fort Hays State picked up 504 points in the balloting process, up from 474 last week and just 18 points behind second-ranked Minnesota State Mankato. Defending national champion Grand Valley State is still a unanimous pick at No. 1, earning all 23 first-place votes.

The Tigers are one of four central region teams in the top eight in the country alongside Mankato, No. 7 Harding and No. 8 Pittsburg State. 24th-ranked Concordia-St. Paul is the only other regional rival inside the top 25, while Northwestern Oklahoma State from the GAC is receiving votes this week. The Tigers and Gorillas are the only two MIAA programs recognized in the poll.

This is the 12th time the Tigers have been ranked third in the national poll. The Tigers are 23-7 all-time when ranked third in the coaches poll. Those 23 wins when ranked third are second only to No. 5 (24-4) when it comes to number of victories by national ranking.

The Tigers have now been listed in 124 different releases of the WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, including 45 appearances in the top five and 83 mentions inside the top 10 in the country. FHSU is 191-48 all-time when ranked, including a 77-17 mark when ranked inside the top five and a 137-28 record when ranked inside the top 10.

Fort Hays State will open conference play this Thursday (Dec. 4) when the Tigers take on Central Missouri beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Warrensburg, Mo.

WBCA DII Coaches Poll - December 2, 2025 Rank - School (1st) - W-L - Points - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (23) - 6-0 - 575 - 1 2 - Minnesota State Mankato - 7-0 - 522 - 5 3 - Fort Hays State - 6-0 - 504 - 4 4 - Lubbock Christian - 7-0 - 497 - 6 5 - Texas Woman's - 5-1 - 444 - 8 6 - Gannon - 7-1 - 421 - 7 7 - Harding - 6-0 - 405 - 10 8 - Pittsburg State - 4-1 - 386 - 2t 9 - Embry-Riddle - 5-0 - 374 - 9 10 - Coker - 5-1 - 368 - 2t 11 - Nova Southeastern - 7-0 - 344 - 12 12 - West Texas A&amp;M - 6-1 - 287 - 13 13 - Indiana (Pa.) - 5-0 - 273 - 20 14 - Colorado Mesa - 8-1 - 260 - 15 15 - Fairmont State - 5-1 - 225 - 11 16 - Alaska Anchorage - 7-0 - 220 - 17 17 - Northern Michigan - 8-1 - 215 - 18 18 - Ferris State - 6-1 - 184 - 19 19 - Central Washington - 6-0 - 166 - 23 20 - Columbus State - 5-1 - 130 - 22 21 - Bentley - 3-1 - 111 - 21 22 - Union (Tenn.) - 4-3 - 85 - 14 23 - Cal Poly Pomona - 4-1 - 81 - 25 24 - Concordia-St. Paul - 4-2 - 71 - 16 25 - Malone - 6-0 - 62 - RV

Others receiving votes: Ashland (3-2) 35; California State L.A. (3-0) 35; Daemen (4-1) 28; Lincoln Memorial (5-0) 27; Miles (5-1) 22; Texas-Tyler (4-3) 19; Augusta (3-1) 15; Northwestern Oklahoma State (5-1) 9; Fayetteville State (4-1) 7; Vanguard U. (3-1) 3.

9 teams mentioned on only one ballot for a total of 65 combined points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764706506681.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team is back to No. 3 in the nation according to the most recent WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday (Dec. 2) by the coaches association. The Tigers previously moved to No. 3 in the country two weeks ago before dipping one spot to No. 4 last week.Now 6-0 for the 13th time in team history, Fort Hays State picked up 504 points in the balloting process, up from 474 last week and just 18 points behind second-ranked Minnesota State Mankato. Defending national champion Grand Valley State is still a unanimous pick at No. 1, earning all 23 first-place votes.The Tigers are one of four central region teams in the top eight in the country alongside Mankato, No. 7 Harding and No. 8 Pittsburg State. 24th-ranked Concordia-St. Paul is the only other regional rival inside the top 25, while Northwestern Oklahoma State from the GAC is receiving votes this week. The Tigers and Gorillas are the only two MIAA programs recognized in the poll.This is the 12th time the Tigers have been ranked third in the national poll. The Tigers are 23-7 all-time when ranked third in the coaches poll. Those 23 wins when ranked third are second only to No. 5 (24-4) when it comes to number of victories by national ranking.The Tigers have now been listed in 124 different releases of the WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, including 45 appearances in the top five and 83 mentions inside the top 10 in the country. FHSU is 191-48 all-time when ranked, including a 77-17 mark when ranked inside the top five and a 137-28 record when ranked inside the top 10.Fort Hays State will open conference play this Thursday (Dec. 4) when the Tigers take on Central Missouri beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Warrensburg, Mo.WBCA DII Coaches Poll - December 2, 2025 Rank - School (1st) - W-L - Points - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (23) - 6-0 - 575 - 1 2 - Minnesota State Mankato - 7-0 - 522 - 5 3 - Fort Hays State - 6-0 - 504 - 4 4 - Lubbock Christian - 7-0 - 497 - 6 5 - Texas Woman's - 5-1 - 444 - 8 6 - Gannon - 7-1 - 421 - 7 7 - Harding - 6-0 - 405 - 10 8 - Pittsburg State - 4-1 - 386 - 2t 9 - Embry-Riddle - 5-0 - 374 - 9 10 - Coker - 5-1 - 368 - 2t 11 - Nova Southeastern - 7-0 - 344 - 12 12 - West Texas A&amp;M - 6-1 - 287 - 13 13 - Indiana (Pa.) - 5-0 - 273 - 20 14 - Colorado Mesa - 8-1 - 260 - 15 15 - Fairmont State - 5-1 - 225 - 11 16 - Alaska Anchorage - 7-0 - 220 - 17 17 - Northern Michigan - 8-1 - 215 - 18 18 - Ferris State - 6-1 - 184 - 19 19 - Central Washington - 6-0 - 166 - 23 20 - Columbus State - 5-1 - 130 - 22 21 - Bentley - 3-1 - 111 - 21 22 - Union (Tenn.) - 4-3 - 85 - 14 23 - Cal Poly Pomona - 4-1 - 81 - 25 24 - Concordia-St. Paul - 4-2 - 71 - 16 25 - Malone - 6-0 - 62 - RVDropped out: No. 24 Holy Family (4-2).Others receiving votes: Ashland (3-2) 35; California State L.A. (3-0) 35; Daemen (4-1) 28; Lincoln Memorial (5-0) 27; Miles (5-1) 22; Texas-Tyler (4-3) 19; Augusta (3-1) 15; Northwestern Oklahoma State (5-1) 9; Fayetteville State (4-1) 7; Vanguard U. (3-1) 3.9 teams mentioned on only one ballot for a total of 65 combined points.

🏀 Tigers women back to No. 3 in WBCA rankings

Tuesday, December 2
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UConn, 6:30pm

Wednesday, December 3
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Tuesday, December 2
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UConn, 6:30pmWednesday, December 3
 noneThursday, December 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Central Missouri, 5:05pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. TMP-Marian, , 6:10pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Hays High, 6:10pmFriday, December 5
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Hugoton/Salina Central, 6:10pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Hugoton/Salina Central, 6:10pmSaturday, December 6
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Washburn, 12:35pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Hays City Shootout, TBD
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Hays City Shootout, TBDSunday, December 7
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Missouri, 10:30am KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB vs. Houston Texans, 6:00pm

MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Sam Towns scored a career-high 27 points shooting 9 of 14, and Bowling Green upset Kansas State 82-66 on Monday in a game the Falcons led from the start.

It was Bowling Green's first win over a Power 4 opponent since beating Virginia Tech on the road, 72-71, on Nov. 12, 2005.

Towns, who has played at least a half-dozen college basketball games a season since his career started at Ohio in 2020-21, shot 3 of 5 from 3-point range and made all six of his foul shots.

Javontae Campbell and Javon Ruffin each scored 17 points for the Falcons (6-2). Bowling Green shot 45% (28 of 62) overall and 46% (12 of 26) from 3-point range. Kansas State shot just 26% (6 of 23) from 3.

David Castillo scored 22 points and P.J. Haggerty 17 for the Wildcats (5-3).

Khamari McGriff had a dunk and Haggerty had a layup to bring Kansas State within 33-31 with 5:39 left before halftime. Bowling Green responded by outscoring the Wildcats 16-4 to close the half and went to the break up 49-35.

The Jayhawks only got within single digits twice (63-52 with 8:12 left and 63-55 with 7:21 to go) after halftime.

It was the first meeting between the teams.

Bowling Green is off to its best start since beginning the 2020-21 season 9-2.

Bowling Green hosts Utah Valley on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764641216054.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Sam Towns scored a career-high 27 points shooting 9 of 14, and Bowling Green upset Kansas State 82-66 on Monday in a game the Falcons led from the start.It was Bowling Green's first win over a Power 4 opponent since beating Virginia Tech on the road, 72-71, on Nov. 12, 2005.Towns, who has played at least a half-dozen college basketball games a season since his career started at Ohio in 2020-21, shot 3 of 5 from 3-point range and made all six of his foul shots.Javontae Campbell and Javon Ruffin each scored 17 points for the Falcons (6-2). Bowling Green shot 45% (28 of 62) overall and 46% (12 of 26) from 3-point range. Kansas State shot just 26% (6 of 23) from 3.David Castillo scored 22 points and P.J. Haggerty 17 for the Wildcats (5-3).Khamari McGriff had a dunk and Haggerty had a layup to bring Kansas State within 33-31 with 5:39 left before halftime. Bowling Green responded by outscoring the Wildcats 16-4 to close the half and went to the break up 49-35.The Jayhawks only got within single digits twice (63-52 with 8:12 left and 63-55 with 7:21 to go) after halftime.It was the first meeting between the teams.Bowling Green is off to its best start since beginning the 2020-21 season 9-2.<h2>Up Next</h2>Bowling Green hosts Utah Valley on Saturday.

🏀 Towns scores 27 points to lead Bowling Green past Kansas State

ALAMOSA, Colo. – Fort Hays State notched a pair of dual wins on Monday evening in Colorado. The No. 13 ranked Tigers defeated Simon Fraser 25-22 and then Adams State 40-9 to improve to 3-0 on the season.

#13 Fort Hays State 25, Simon Fraser 22 The Tigers were able to get past the Red Leafs of Simon Fraser by three points, benefitting from a pair of forfeits to begin the dual. Jaidyn Alvarado and Isabella Cross both picked up wins at 103 and 110 respectively without opposition to put the Tigers up 10-0. From that point, Simon Fraser won five of the eight matches contested, but it was not enough to overtake the Tigers.

Bonus point wins by No. 10 ranked Leiannah Landreth (117) and No. 5 ranked Isabella Renfro (180) were enough to hold off a late charge from the Red Leafs. Landreth put the Tigers up 14-1 in the dual with her 13-2 tech fall win. Peyton Hellmann was the other Tiger victorious, stopping a two-match run by SFU with a 13-9 decision at 138, putting the Tigers up by 10 at the time. With SFU closing within three at 20-17 following wins at 145 and 160, Renfro remained unbeaten on the season with a fall in 4:52 at 180. That sealed the win for FHSU, even though SFU took the final match at 207 by fall.

Amanda Jaeger also competed in an exhibition immediately following the team scoring matches and won by a second-period fall.

Results 103: Jaidyn Alvarado (FHSU) over (SFU) (For.) – FHSU 5-0 110: Isabella Cross (FHSU) over (SFU) (For.) – FHSU 10-0 117: Leiannah Landreth (FHSU) over Ivy Threatful (SFU) (TF 13-2 2:37) – FHSU 14-1 124: Laura Alcantor Soto (SFU) over Morgan Maschmann (FHSU) (Dec 8-4) – FHSU 15-4 131: Ella Finding (SFU) over Samara Markwardt (FHSU) (TF 14-3 3:50) – FHSU 16-8 138: Peyton Hellmann (FHSU) over Mary Rush (SFU) (Dec 13-9) – FHSU 19-9 145: Liv Weiber (SFU) over Dylen Ritchey (FHSU) (Dec 4-2) – FHSU 20-12 160: Lene McCrackin (SFU) over Kaylee Ricketts (FHSU) (Fall 1:06) – FHSU 20-17 180: Isabella Renfro (FHSU) over Rupinder Johal (SFU) (Fall 4:52) – FHSU 25-17 207: Julia Richey (SFU) over Hailey Conley (FHSU) (Fall 1:15) – FHSU 25-22 Exh: Amanda Jaeger (FHSU) over Belen Lopez (SFU) (Fall)

#13 Fort Hays State 40, Adams State 9 The Tigers dominated Adams State in their second contest of the evening, winning eight of ten matches and rolling to a 40-9 victory. The Grizzlies struck first at 103 pounds, where Mia Siqueiros earned an 11-6 decision over Jaidyn Alvarado to put ASU up 3-1. From there, Fort Hays State rattled off eight wins over the next nine matches to take full control.

Isabella Cross (110) answered immediately with a 12-2 tech fall, and nationally ranked Leiannah Landreth (117) followed with a fall at 3:54 to swing momentum firmly to the Tigers, taking a 10-4 dual lead. Morgan Maschmann (124) added another pin in 3:40 to push the advantage to 15-4. Adams State's last push in team scoring came via fall at 131 by McKenna Hendrickson over Samara Markwardt.

Points started to multiply in a hurry for FHSU as the Tigers won the final five matches by fall. Ashlynn Goodwin (138) needed just 33 seconds. Amanda Jaeger (145) flipped a potential loss into a victory after being down 9-0 in her match with a 2:07 pin. Kaylee Ricketts (160), Isabella Renfro (180), and Hailey Conley (207) all finished their opponents by first-period falls as well, giving the Tigers a 25-point run to close out the match.

An exhibition match at 138 capped the evening, with Peyton Hellmann earning a fall in 1:12.

Results 103: Mia Siqueiros (ASU) over Jaidyn Alvarado (FHSU) (Dec 11-6) - ASU 3-1 110: Isabella Cross (FHSU) over Katelyn Faczak (ASU) (TF 12-2 2:48) - FHSU 5-4 117: Leiannah Landreth (FHSU) over Flavia Nagatani (ASU) (Fall 3:54) - FHSU 10-4 124: Morgan Maschmann (FHSU) over Bella Devoto (ASU) (Fall 3:40) - FHSU 15-4 131: Mckenna Hendrickson (ASU) over Samara Markwardt (FHSU) (Fall 3:52) - FHSU 15-9 138: Ashlynn Goodwin (FHSU) over Dakota Hull (ASU) (Fall 0:33) - FHSU 20-9 145: Amanda Jaeger (FHSU) over Angella Van Valkenburg (ASU) (Fall 2:07) - FHSU 25-9 160: Kaylee Ricketts (FHSU) over Amanda YU (ASU) (Fall 1:00) - FHSU 30-9 180: Isabella Renfro (FHSU) over Briseis StJohn (ASU) (Fall 0:57) - FHSU 35-9 207: Hailey Conley (FHSU) over Taina Uasike (ASU) (Fall 1:11) - FHSU 40-9 Exh: Peyton Hellmann (FHSU) over Hallie Carter (ASU) (Fall 1:12)

Fort Hays State returns home this weekend to host a dual with Minot State on Friday evening and then the annual Bob Smith Women's Open on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764674068740.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo courtesy Adams State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo courtesy Adams State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsALAMOSA, Colo. – Fort Hays State notched a pair of dual wins on Monday evening in Colorado. The No. 13 ranked Tigers defeated Simon Fraser 25-22 and then Adams State 40-9 to improve to 3-0 on the season.#13 Fort Hays State 25, Simon Fraser 22 The Tigers were able to get past the Red Leafs of Simon Fraser by three points, benefitting from a pair of forfeits to begin the dual. Jaidyn Alvarado and Isabella Cross both picked up wins at 103 and 110 respectively without opposition to put the Tigers up 10-0. From that point, Simon Fraser won five of the eight matches contested, but it was not enough to overtake the Tigers.Bonus point wins by No. 10 ranked Leiannah Landreth (117) and No. 5 ranked Isabella Renfro (180) were enough to hold off a late charge from the Red Leafs. Landreth put the Tigers up 14-1 in the dual with her 13-2 tech fall win. Peyton Hellmann was the other Tiger victorious, stopping a two-match run by SFU with a 13-9 decision at 138, putting the Tigers up by 10 at the time. With SFU closing within three at 20-17 following wins at 145 and 160, Renfro remained unbeaten on the season with a fall in 4:52 at 180. That sealed the win for FHSU, even though SFU took the final match at 207 by fall.Amanda Jaeger also competed in an exhibition immediately following the team scoring matches and won by a second-period fall.Results 103: Jaidyn Alvarado (FHSU) over (SFU) (For.) – FHSU 5-0 110: Isabella Cross (FHSU) over (SFU) (For.) – FHSU 10-0 117: Leiannah Landreth (FHSU) over Ivy Threatful (SFU) (TF 13-2 2:37) – FHSU 14-1 124: Laura Alcantor Soto (SFU) over Morgan Maschmann (FHSU) (Dec 8-4) – FHSU 15-4 131: Ella Finding (SFU) over Samara Markwardt (FHSU) (TF 14-3 3:50) – FHSU 16-8 138: Peyton Hellmann (FHSU) over Mary Rush (SFU) (Dec 13-9) – FHSU 19-9 145: Liv Weiber (SFU) over Dylen Ritchey (FHSU) (Dec 4-2) – FHSU 20-12 160: Lene McCrackin (SFU) over Kaylee Ricketts (FHSU) (Fall 1:06) – FHSU 20-17 180: Isabella Renfro (FHSU) over Rupinder Johal (SFU) (Fall 4:52) – FHSU 25-17 207: Julia Richey (SFU) over Hailey Conley (FHSU) (Fall 1:15) – FHSU 25-22 Exh: Amanda Jaeger (FHSU) over Belen Lopez (SFU) (Fall)#13 Fort Hays State 40, Adams State 9 The Tigers dominated Adams State in their second contest of the evening, winning eight of ten matches and rolling to a 40-9 victory. The Grizzlies struck first at 103 pounds, where Mia Siqueiros earned an 11-6 decision over Jaidyn Alvarado to put ASU up 3-1. From there, Fort Hays State rattled off eight wins over the next nine matches to take full control.Isabella Cross (110) answered immediately with a 12-2 tech fall, and nationally ranked Leiannah Landreth (117) followed with a fall at 3:54 to swing momentum firmly to the Tigers, taking a 10-4 dual lead. Morgan Maschmann (124) added another pin in 3:40 to push the advantage to 15-4. Adams State's last push in team scoring came via fall at 131 by McKenna Hendrickson over Samara Markwardt.Points started to multiply in a hurry for FHSU as the Tigers won the final five matches by fall. Ashlynn Goodwin (138) needed just 33 seconds. Amanda Jaeger (145) flipped a potential loss into a victory after being down 9-0 in her match with a 2:07 pin. Kaylee Ricketts (160), Isabella Renfro (180), and Hailey Conley (207) all finished their opponents by first-period falls as well, giving the Tigers a 25-point run to close out the match.An exhibition match at 138 capped the evening, with Peyton Hellmann earning a fall in 1:12.Results 103: Mia Siqueiros (ASU) over Jaidyn Alvarado (FHSU) (Dec 11-6) - ASU 3-1 110: Isabella Cross (FHSU) over Katelyn Faczak (ASU) (TF 12-2 2:48) - FHSU 5-4 117: Leiannah Landreth (FHSU) over Flavia Nagatani (ASU) (Fall 3:54) - FHSU 10-4 124: Morgan Maschmann (FHSU) over Bella Devoto (ASU) (Fall 3:40) - FHSU 15-4 131: Mckenna Hendrickson (ASU) over Samara Markwardt (FHSU) (Fall 3:52) - FHSU 15-9 138: Ashlynn Goodwin (FHSU) over Dakota Hull (ASU) (Fall 0:33) - FHSU 20-9 145: Amanda Jaeger (FHSU) over Angella Van Valkenburg (ASU) (Fall 2:07) - FHSU 25-9 160: Kaylee Ricketts (FHSU) over Amanda YU (ASU) (Fall 1:00) - FHSU 30-9 180: Isabella Renfro (FHSU) over Briseis StJohn (ASU) (Fall 0:57) - FHSU 35-9 207: Hailey Conley (FHSU) over Taina Uasike (ASU) (Fall 1:11) - FHSU 40-9 Exh: Peyton Hellmann (FHSU) over Hallie Carter (ASU) (Fall 1:12)<h2>Up next</h2>Fort Hays State returns home this weekend to host a dual with Minot State on Friday evening and then the annual Bob Smith Women's Open on Saturday.

🤼‍♀️ No. 13 Tigers move to 3-0, defeat Simon Fraser and Adams State in duals

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State Athletics announced Monday (Dec. 1) that Jessica Wood-Atkins will not be returning next season as head volleyball coach. Wood-Atkins led the Tiger Volleyball program for eight years and totaled 78 wins over seven official seasons.

Wood-Atkins led FHSU to the MIAA Tournament three times in her tenure. The Tigers had 21 All-MIAA selections in her time leading the program, along with over 100 MIAA Academic Honor Roll performers. The Tigers received the AVCA Team Academic Award every year she led the program.

"We are grateful to Jessica for her service to our volleyball program," said Director of Athletics, Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk. "We wish her well in her future endeavors."  

Fort Hays State University will begin a national search for a new head coach of the volleyball program immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764635707327.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State Athletics announced Monday (Dec. 1) that Jessica Wood-Atkins will not be returning next season as head volleyball coach. Wood-Atkins led the Tiger Volleyball program for eight years and totaled 78 wins over seven official seasons.Wood-Atkins led FHSU to the MIAA Tournament three times in her tenure. The Tigers had 21 All-MIAA selections in her time leading the program, along with over 100 MIAA Academic Honor Roll performers. The Tigers received the AVCA Team Academic Award every year she led the program."We are grateful to Jessica for her service to our volleyball program," said Director of Athletics, Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk. "We wish her well in her future endeavors." Fort Hays State University will begin a national search for a new head coach of the volleyball program immediately.

🏐 Wood-Atkins not returning as head volleyball coach at FHSU

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their preseason rankings for the 2025-26 season.

Several area teams are in the rankings including the Hays High girls who are 10th in Class 5A. Western Athletic Conference rival Liberal is ranked 10th in Class 6A. The Quinter girls are ranked third in 1A Division 1.&nbsp; The Oakley girls are the lone Mid-Continent League team ranked at No. 10 in Class 2A.

The Victoria boys are ranked 10th in Class 1A Division 2. Great Bend is the lone Western Athletic Conference team in the polls at No. 4 in Class 5A.

Below are the ranking for all classifications.

6A Girls 1. Derby 2. Olathe South 3. Olathe North 4. Topeka - Washburn Rural 5. Olathe West 6. OP - Blue Valley North 7. Wichita East 8. Topeka High 9. Manhattan 10. Liberal

5A Girls 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. Maize South 3. Andover 4. St. James Academy 5. Kansas City Piper 6. Topeka Seaman 7. Wichita - Bishop Carroll 8. Spring Hill 9. Topeka - Shawnee Heights 10. Hays

4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Overland Park -Bishop Miege 3. Topeka – Hayden 4. Eudora 5. Andale 6. Wamego 7. Clay Center 8. Buhler 9. Altamont - Labette County 10. McPherson

3A Girls 1. Halstead 2. Silver Lake 3. Osage City 4. Hesston 5. Colby 6. Holcomb 7. Goodland 8. Girard 9. Riley County 10. Cheney

2A Girls 1. Moundridge 2. Pittsburg- St. Mary's Colgan 3. Inman 4. Highland - Doniphan West 5. Ellinwood 6. Hillsboro 7. Eureka 8. Blue Rapids - Valley Heights 9. Cottonwood Falls - Chase County 10. Oakley

1A Division&nbsp;1&nbsp; Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Quinter 4. Alma - Wabaunsee 5. Clyde - Clifton-Clyde 6. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 7. Troy 8. Frankfort 9. Montezuma - South Gray 10. Mankato - Rock Hills

1A Division 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Linn 3. Bucklin 4. Melvern - Marais des Cynges Valley 5. Lebo 6. Bird City - Cheylin 7. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 8. Attica 9. Axtell 10. Hutchinson - Central Christian

6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission South 2. Olathe North 3. Shawnee - Mill Valley 4. OP - Blue Valley High 5. OP - Blue Valley North 6. Derby 7. Wichita Heights 8. Maize 9. Topeka - Washburn Rural 10. OP - Blue Valley Northwest

5A Boys 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Andover 4. Great Bend 5. Topeka - Highland Park 6. Topeka - Shawnee Heights 7. Topeka West 8. Bonner Springs 9. Topeka - Seaman 10. Maize South

4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Rock Creek 3. McPherson 4. Ottawa 5. Andale 6. Pratt 7. OP- Bishop Miege 8. Topeka Hayden 9. Eudora 10. Atchison

3A Boys 1. Hesston 2. Cheney 3. Silver Lake 4. Holcomb 5. Goodland 6. Nemaha Central 7. Burlington 8. Scott City 9. Wichita - Collegiate 10. Beloit

2A Boys 1. Sterling 2. Moundridge 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Rossville 5. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 6. Salina - Sacred Heart 7. St. Mary's 8. Elbing - Berean Academy 9. Valley Falls 10. Bennington

1A Division 1 Boys 1. Olpe 2. Coldwater-South Central 3. Montezuma-South Gray 4. Lincoln 5. Centralia 6. Little River 7. Frankfort 8. Alma-Wabaunsee 9. Burlingame 10. Canton-Galva

1A Division 2 Boys 1. Axtell 2. Hanover 3. Cunningham 4. McPherson - Elyria Christian 5. Weskan 6. Hutchinson- Central Christian 7. Lebo 8. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 9. Logan - Palco 10. Victoria

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsThe Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their preseason rankings for the 2025-26 season.Several area teams are in the rankings including the Hays High girls who are 10th in Class 5A. Western Athletic Conference rival Liberal is ranked 10th in Class 6A. The Quinter girls are ranked third in 1A Division 1.&nbsp; The Oakley girls are the lone Mid-Continent League team ranked at No. 10 in Class 2A.The Victoria boys are ranked 10th in Class 1A Division 2. Great Bend is the lone Western Athletic Conference team in the polls at No. 4 in Class 5A.Below are the ranking for all classifications.6A Girls 1. Derby 2. Olathe South 3. Olathe North 4. Topeka - Washburn Rural 5. Olathe West 6. OP - Blue Valley North 7. Wichita East 8. Topeka High 9. Manhattan 10. Liberal5A Girls 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. Maize South 3. Andover 4. St. James Academy 5. Kansas City Piper 6. Topeka Seaman 7. Wichita - Bishop Carroll 8. Spring Hill 9. Topeka - Shawnee Heights 10. Hays4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Overland Park -Bishop Miege 3. Topeka – Hayden 4. Eudora 5. Andale 6. Wamego 7. Clay Center 8. Buhler 9. Altamont - Labette County 10. McPherson3A Girls 1. Halstead 2. Silver Lake 3. Osage City 4. Hesston 5. Colby 6. Holcomb 7. Goodland 8. Girard 9. Riley County 10. Cheney2A Girls 1. Moundridge 2. Pittsburg- St. Mary's Colgan 3. Inman 4. Highland - Doniphan West 5. Ellinwood 6. Hillsboro 7. Eureka 8. Blue Rapids - Valley Heights 9. Cottonwood Falls - Chase County 10. Oakley1A Division&nbsp;1&nbsp; Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Quinter 4. Alma - Wabaunsee 5. Clyde - Clifton-Clyde 6. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 7. Troy 8. Frankfort 9. Montezuma - South Gray 10. Mankato - Rock Hills1A Division 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Linn 3. Bucklin 4. Melvern - Marais des Cynges Valley 5. Lebo 6. Bird City - Cheylin 7. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 8. Attica 9. Axtell 10. Hutchinson - Central Christian6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission South 2. Olathe North 3. Shawnee - Mill Valley 4. OP - Blue Valley High 5. OP - Blue Valley North 6. Derby 7. Wichita Heights 8. Maize 9. Topeka - Washburn Rural 10. OP - Blue Valley Northwest5A Boys 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Andover 4. Great Bend 5. Topeka - Highland Park 6. Topeka - Shawnee Heights 7. Topeka West 8. Bonner Springs 9. Topeka - Seaman 10. Maize South4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Rock Creek 3. McPherson 4. Ottawa 5. Andale 6. Pratt 7. OP- Bishop Miege 8. Topeka Hayden 9. Eudora 10. Atchison3A Boys 1. Hesston 2. Cheney 3. Silver Lake 4. Holcomb 5. Goodland 6. Nemaha Central 7. Burlington 8. Scott City 9. Wichita - Collegiate 10. Beloit2A Boys 1. Sterling 2. Moundridge 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Rossville 5. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 6. Salina - Sacred Heart 7. St. Mary's 8. Elbing - Berean Academy 9. Valley Falls 10. Bennington1A Division 1 Boys 1. Olpe 2. Coldwater-South Central 3. Montezuma-South Gray 4. Lincoln 5. Centralia 6. Little River 7. Frankfort 8. Alma-Wabaunsee 9. Burlingame 10. Canton-Galva1A Division 2 Boys 1. Axtell 2. Hanover 3. Cunningham 4. McPherson - Elyria Christian 5. Weskan 6. Hutchinson- Central Christian 7. Lebo 8. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 9. Logan - Palco 10. Victoria

🏀 KBCA releases preseason rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State's Talexa Weeter has again been named MIAA Women's Basketball Athlete of the Week, announced Monday (Dec. 1) by the league office. It is the second time in three weeks that the junior has garnered the award.

The Goodland, Kan. native averaged a double-double in a pair of wins over former RMAC rivals last week, putting up 33.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game against UCCS and MSU Denver.

Weeter opened the trip to Denver with 33 points and 11 rebounds against the Mountain Lions, including a pair of free throws with seven seconds remaining to give FHSU the lead for good. She followed that up with 34 points and nine rebounds in a come-from-behind win over the Roadrunners the following day, including 28 points on 12-of-17 shooting in the second half.

She has scored 25 or more points in five of six games so far this season, leading Division II and ranking second across all NCAA divisions with an average of 29.0 points per game. She also ranks second in the conference in rebounding (8.8 rebounds per game) and shooting percentage (51.2 percent).

Weeter and the rest of the fourth-ranked Tiger squad will open conference play Thursday (Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m.) when they travel to Warrensburg, Mo. to take on Central Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764622117574.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State's Talexa Weeter has again been named MIAA Women's Basketball Athlete of the Week, announced Monday (Dec. 1) by the league office. It is the second time in three weeks that the junior has garnered the award.The Goodland, Kan. native averaged a double-double in a pair of wins over former RMAC rivals last week, putting up 33.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game against UCCS and MSU Denver.Weeter opened the trip to Denver with 33 points and 11 rebounds against the Mountain Lions, including a pair of free throws with seven seconds remaining to give FHSU the lead for good. She followed that up with 34 points and nine rebounds in a come-from-behind win over the Roadrunners the following day, including 28 points on 12-of-17 shooting in the second half.She has scored 25 or more points in five of six games so far this season, leading Division II and ranking second across all NCAA divisions with an average of 29.0 points per game. She also ranks second in the conference in rebounding (8.8 rebounds per game) and shooting percentage (51.2 percent).Weeter and the rest of the fourth-ranked Tiger squad will open conference play Thursday (Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m.) when they travel to Warrensburg, Mo. to take on Central Missouri.

🏀 Weeter nabs another MIAA weekly honor

If you missed the show live this morning, you can listen here.

We're joined by men's basketball coach Mark Johnson and women's basketball coach Talia Kahrs.

Tiger Talk airs Monday mornings at 9 a.m. on Tiger Radio Mix-103.3.

If you missed the show live this morning, you can listen here.We're joined by men's basketball coach Mark Johnson and women's basketball coach Talia Kahrs.Tiger Talk airs Monday mornings at 9 a.m. on Tiger Radio Mix-103.3.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (December 1, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bdy4f-19db49e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk

Fort Hays State hosts Manhattan Christian College on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

Fort Hays State hosts Manhattan Christian College on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Manhattan Christian College" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nanpw-19da710-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Manhattan Christian

Monday, December 1
 KJLS: Tiger Talk,
9:00am KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pm
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6:00pm

Tuesday, December 2
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UConn, 6:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Monday, December 1
 KJLS: Tiger Talk,
9:00am KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pm
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6:00pmTuesday, December 2
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UConn, 6:30pmWednesday, December 3
 noneThursday, December 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Central Missouri, 5:05pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. TMP-Marian, , 6:10pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Hays High, 6:10pmFriday, December 5
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Hugoton/Salina Central, 6:10pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Hugoton/Salina Central, 6:10pmSaturday, December 6
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Washburn, 12:35pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Hays City Shootout, TBD
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Hays City Shootout, TBDSunday, December 7
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Missouri, 10:30am KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs FB vs. Houston Texans, 6:00pm

By MICHAEL PHILLIPS Associated Press

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Nik Bonitto&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1995357786855911713">batted away Marcus Mariota’s pass</a>&nbsp;in overtime to deny Washington a winning 2-point conversion, and the Denver Broncos held on for their ninth straight victory, a 27-26 thriller Sunday night.

After Denver's RJ Harvey ran for a touchdown on the first possession of overtime, Mariota drove the Commanders down the field, aided by a pass-interference penalty on fourth-and-6. Washington had fourth-and-goal at the 3 when Mariota connected with Terry McLaurin for a TD.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn went for 2 and Mariota had an open receiver, but Bonitto leaped and knocked the ball down.

“I knew he was buying time,” Bonitto said. “At that point I was just trying to make it hard for him to throw the ball, and I ended up knocking it down and we ended up winning the game.”

Bo Nix threw for 321 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the AFC West-leading Broncos (10-2), who have eight victories in one-score games.

Broncos coach Sean Payton spoke during the week about the importance of getting a first-round bye in the playoffs, and Denver remained even with New England for the best record in the AFC.

“We didn't escape. We won,” Payton declared. “The journey of a good team’s season involves games like this. And then you believe you can do it again.”

Washington, meanwhile, now has consecutive overtime losses as part of a seven-game losing streak.

Making his sixth start this season in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, Mariota threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns with one pick.

“We're going in the right direction,” Mariota said. “It's not exactly where we want to be, but I think putting together a great week of practice, I think we just continue to stack these.

"Regardless of what it looks like for us, it's all about the process and the journey, and the more we can find ways to improve week-to-week, I think that sets a solid foundation for what's to come.”

One of Mariota's TD tosses was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treylon-burks-commanders-catch-7610dd6a1c9b6cc596fb1222cc0a34bd">an incredible catch</a>&nbsp;by Treylon Burks, who leaped in the corner of the end zone and made a falling, one-handed grab over cornerback Riley Moss.

For the Commanders (3-9), a woeful defense has shown signs of improvement in the two games since coach Dan Quinn took over play-calling from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

“I was pleased with the run game — this is a team that's been able to get on the edge, which is something we haven't done as well,” Quinn said. "There was progress that was made, certainly in the run game, and we've got plenty of room to grow in that.

“Hate the outcome, but I do love the fight and where we're at.”

Washington leaned on tight end Zach Ertz, who finished with 10 catches for 106 yards and passed Shannon Sharpe for the fifth-most receptions by an NFL tight end. McLaurin added seven catches for 96 yards.

Although Denver had just two sacks, its pass rushers frequently made Mariota uncomfortable and forced him into a bad interception at the start of the second quarter that was pulled in by Dre Greenlaw.

But Mariota delivered at the end of regulation, leading an 18-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a tying, 32-yard field goal by Jake Moody, who was playing in his first game for Washington.

For Nix, an uneven outing ultimately led to the desired result.

After Denver scored just six points on its first three drives, Nix settled in and delivered an acrobatic strike to Courtland Sutton for an 11-yard touchdown right before halftime, avoiding a sack just long enough to release the ball.

“I was honestly a little bit close to being down, but stayed up just long enough,” Nix said. “(Sutton) did a great job of starting on the other side of the field and ran all the way to the other side. He scrambled with me and in a game like that — we literally talk about a game of inches, but it really is. It comes down to an inch or two every once in awhile.”

The fourth quarter opened with Nix throwing an interception to Bobby Wagner that led to a Washington field goal. The Broncos punted on their final three possessions of regulation, and the Commanders finally took advantage.

Quinn said there was never a doubt the team would go for two in overtime, declaring it a “game you love to be a part of — two teams absolutely going at it, throwing punches back and forth.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764587771826.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey, is lifted by teammate Quinn Meinerz after scoring during overtime of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey, is lifted by teammate Quinn Meinerz after scoring during overtime of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL PHILLIPS Associated PressLANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Nik Bonitto&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1995357786855911713">batted away Marcus Mariota’s pass</a>&nbsp;in overtime to deny Washington a winning 2-point conversion, and the Denver Broncos held on for their ninth straight victory, a 27-26 thriller Sunday night.After Denver's RJ Harvey ran for a touchdown on the first possession of overtime, Mariota drove the Commanders down the field, aided by a pass-interference penalty on fourth-and-6. Washington had fourth-and-goal at the 3 when Mariota connected with Terry McLaurin for a TD.Commanders coach Dan Quinn went for 2 and Mariota had an open receiver, but Bonitto leaped and knocked the ball down.“I knew he was buying time,” Bonitto said. “At that point I was just trying to make it hard for him to throw the ball, and I ended up knocking it down and we ended up winning the game.”Bo Nix threw for 321 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the AFC West-leading Broncos (10-2), who have eight victories in one-score games.Broncos coach Sean Payton spoke during the week about the importance of getting a first-round bye in the playoffs, and Denver remained even with New England for the best record in the AFC.“We didn't escape. We won,” Payton declared. “The journey of a good team’s season involves games like this. And then you believe you can do it again.”Washington, meanwhile, now has consecutive overtime losses as part of a seven-game losing streak.Making his sixth start this season in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, Mariota threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns with one pick.“We're going in the right direction,” Mariota said. “It's not exactly where we want to be, but I think putting together a great week of practice, I think we just continue to stack these."Regardless of what it looks like for us, it's all about the process and the journey, and the more we can find ways to improve week-to-week, I think that sets a solid foundation for what's to come.”One of Mariota's TD tosses was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treylon-burks-commanders-catch-7610dd6a1c9b6cc596fb1222cc0a34bd">an incredible catch</a>&nbsp;by Treylon Burks, who leaped in the corner of the end zone and made a falling, one-handed grab over cornerback Riley Moss.For the Commanders (3-9), a woeful defense has shown signs of improvement in the two games since coach Dan Quinn took over play-calling from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.“I was pleased with the run game — this is a team that's been able to get on the edge, which is something we haven't done as well,” Quinn said. "There was progress that was made, certainly in the run game, and we've got plenty of room to grow in that.“Hate the outcome, but I do love the fight and where we're at.”Washington leaned on tight end Zach Ertz, who finished with 10 catches for 106 yards and passed Shannon Sharpe for the fifth-most receptions by an NFL tight end. McLaurin added seven catches for 96 yards.Although Denver had just two sacks, its pass rushers frequently made Mariota uncomfortable and forced him into a bad interception at the start of the second quarter that was pulled in by Dre Greenlaw.But Mariota delivered at the end of regulation, leading an 18-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a tying, 32-yard field goal by Jake Moody, who was playing in his first game for Washington.For Nix, an uneven outing ultimately led to the desired result.After Denver scored just six points on its first three drives, Nix settled in and delivered an acrobatic strike to Courtland Sutton for an 11-yard touchdown right before halftime, avoiding a sack just long enough to release the ball.“I was honestly a little bit close to being down, but stayed up just long enough,” Nix said. “(Sutton) did a great job of starting on the other side of the field and ran all the way to the other side. He scrambled with me and in a game like that — we literally talk about a game of inches, but it really is. It comes down to an inch or two every once in awhile.”The fourth quarter opened with Nix throwing an interception to Bobby Wagner that led to a Washington field goal. The Broncos punted on their final three possessions of regulation, and the Commanders finally took advantage.Quinn said there was never a doubt the team would go for two in overtime, declaring it a “game you love to be a part of — two teams absolutely going at it, throwing punches back and forth.”<h2>What’s next</h2>Broncos: At Las Vegas on Sunday.Commanders: At Minnesota on Sunday.

🏈 Bonitto bats away 2-point try in OT, Broncos escape with win over Washington

HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State is moving on to the national quarterfinals for the sixth time in its program history after a 2-0 victory over Rockhurst on Sunday (Nov. 30) at FHSU Soccer Stadium in a battle of top-10 nationally ranked teams. The Tigers netted both goals in the second half, while Payton Roehrich recorded two saves to maintain a clean sheet. With the win, No. 4 nationally ranked and super region top seed FHSU moved to 19-0-3 overall for the season, while No. 10 ranked and fourth-seeded Rockhurst's season ended at 12-5-4 overall.

Fort Hays State maintained offensive pressure throughout the first half, registering five shots compared to just two for Rockhurst. The Hawks had a strong opportunity to score in the 37th minute, but Roehrich was up to the challenge in close range to keep the match scoreless by halftime.

Fort Hays State capitalized on its opportunities in the second half, securing a 2-0 advantage. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Marcus Dalseide scored his first goal of the season with an assist from Dylan Ashford in the box. A few minutes later Mario Leal Vales extended the lead in the 73rd minute with his 4th goal of the season, putting the ball back toward the goal after Rockhurst was trying to get the ball out of the box. Despite Rockhurst's attempts to rally late, Roehrich capped the shutout in the 87th minute with a save to preserve the lead.

For the Tigers, it was their first-ever win over Rockhurst in the NCAA Tournament. The two previous meetings went the way of the Hawks, a tie that was settled by PKs in 2015 in Kansas City and then a 1-0 result in 2016 in Hays. The win pushed FHSU to 6-3-3 against Rockhurst all-time, including a 6-1-1 record in the last eight meetings.

Fort Hays State will now face an opponent it knows very well in the national quarterfinals (Super Region 3 Championship) on Saturday. The top-seeded Tigers will face No. 2 seed Rogers State, a team it has played three times this season and won all three matches. Rogers State will enter with an overall record of 13-3-5, with all three losses at the hands of Tigers. The match will be at FHSU Soccer Stadium in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764543879288.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State forward Marcus Dalseide (34) celebrates after scoring his first goal of the season against Rockhurst in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, November 30, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Parker Nisbeth)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State forward Marcus Dalseide (34) celebrates after scoring his first goal of the season against Rockhurst in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, November 30, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Parker Nisbeth)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State is moving on to the national quarterfinals for the sixth time in its program history after a 2-0 victory over Rockhurst on Sunday (Nov. 30) at FHSU Soccer Stadium in a battle of top-10 nationally ranked teams. The Tigers netted both goals in the second half, while Payton Roehrich recorded two saves to maintain a clean sheet. With the win, No. 4 nationally ranked and super region top seed FHSU moved to 19-0-3 overall for the season, while No. 10 ranked and fourth-seeded Rockhurst's season ended at 12-5-4 overall.Fort Hays State maintained offensive pressure throughout the first half, registering five shots compared to just two for Rockhurst. The Hawks had a strong opportunity to score in the 37th minute, but Roehrich was up to the challenge in close range to keep the match scoreless by halftime.Fort Hays State capitalized on its opportunities in the second half, securing a 2-0 advantage. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Marcus Dalseide scored his first goal of the season with an assist from Dylan Ashford in the box. A few minutes later Mario Leal Vales extended the lead in the 73rd minute with his 4th goal of the season, putting the ball back toward the goal after Rockhurst was trying to get the ball out of the box. Despite Rockhurst's attempts to rally late, Roehrich capped the shutout in the 87th minute with a save to preserve the lead.For the Tigers, it was their first-ever win over Rockhurst in the NCAA Tournament. The two previous meetings went the way of the Hawks, a tie that was settled by PKs in 2015 in Kansas City and then a 1-0 result in 2016 in Hays. The win pushed FHSU to 6-3-3 against Rockhurst all-time, including a 6-1-1 record in the last eight meetings.<h2>Up next</h2>Fort Hays State will now face an opponent it knows very well in the national quarterfinals (Super Region 3 Championship) on Saturday. The top-seeded Tigers will face No. 2 seed Rogers State, a team it has played three times this season and won all three matches. Rogers State will enter with an overall record of 13-3-5, with all three losses at the hands of Tigers. The match will be at FHSU Soccer Stadium in Hays.

⚽ Tigers defeat Rockhurst, advance to national quarterfinals

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post Sports

GREENSBURG — Hanover captured the Eight-Man Division II state championship with a 28-20 win over previously unbeaten Victoria on Saturday, but the Wildcats had to survive a four-quarter fight from a Knights team that refused to go away. Victoria, seeking its eighth state title and its first since 2015, controlled long stretches of the game and repeatedly put Hanover on its heels with physical defense and trademark ball-control drives.

Victoria (11-1) struck first after stuffing Hanover on a fourth-and-1 in the red zone, a momentum-setting play delivered by Weston Scherrer. The Knights marched 59 yards in 11 plays and took a 6-0 lead on Scherrer’s 20-yard touchdown run with five seconds left in the first quarter. Through one, Victoria had outgained Hanover and looked fully in command.

Hanover (13-0) responded with a grinding 13-play drive to tie the game, but the Knights again pushed deep into Wildcat territory before a turnover on downs swung momentum. Hanover struck immediately with trickery, as receiver Braylon Meyn threw the first of his two touchdown passes — a 45-yard strike to Lanxden Stallbaumer — to take a 12-6 halftime lead.

Victoria opened the second half with another long drive, and while it came up empty, the Knights grabbed the lead moments later. Ethan VonLintel jumped a route and returned an interception 23 yards for a pick-six, putting Victoria back on top 14-12 with 6:19 left in the third.

Hanover answered quickly, but Victoria’s response was textbook Knights football: a 14-play, 65-yard march capped by Scherrer’s second touchdown, tying the game at 20 early in the fourth. The senior finished with 126 rushing yards and carried the offense through much of the night.

But Hanover’s misdirection and trick plays proved the difference. After a Victoria interception, Meyn struck again — this time a 52-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Kickhaefer with 4:30 remaining. It was the Wildcats’ third score of 45 yards or more and their second touchdown thrown by a0 wide receiver.

Victoria had two more chances, including a final possession with 1:43 to play, but Kickhaefer sealed the title with his second interception of the fourth. The Wildcats kneeled out the remaining time to secure their eighth state championship and first since 2020.

Despite the loss, Victoria outgained Hanover on the ground 201–76, held the Wildcats to just one red-zone touchdown, and controlled the clock for most of the game. Scherrer, Mason Mauch, and the Knights’ offensive line powered a rushing attack that kept them within reach until the final minute.

Hanover finished with 228 passing yards — 97 of them from Meyn’s two trick-play touchdowns — and overcame a pick-six to complete a perfect 13-0 season. Victoria, with one of the state’s most disciplined defenses and a senior class of 10, closes its season 11-1 after pushing the unbeaten Wildcats to the wire.

By GARRETT WELLBROCK Hays Post SportsGREENSBURG — Hanover captured the Eight-Man Division II state championship with a 28-20 win over previously unbeaten Victoria on Saturday, but the Wildcats had to survive a four-quarter fight from a Knights team that refused to go away. Victoria, seeking its eighth state title and its first since 2015, controlled long stretches of the game and repeatedly put Hanover on its heels with physical defense and trademark ball-control drives.Victoria (11-1) struck first after stuffing Hanover on a fourth-and-1 in the red zone, a momentum-setting play delivered by Weston Scherrer. The Knights marched 59 yards in 11 plays and took a 6-0 lead on Scherrer’s 20-yard touchdown run with five seconds left in the first quarter. Through one, Victoria had outgained Hanover and looked fully in command.Hanover (13-0) responded with a grinding 13-play drive to tie the game, but the Knights again pushed deep into Wildcat territory before a turnover on downs swung momentum. Hanover struck immediately with trickery, as receiver Braylon Meyn threw the first of his two touchdown passes — a 45-yard strike to Lanxden Stallbaumer — to take a 12-6 halftime lead.Victoria opened the second half with another long drive, and while it came up empty, the Knights grabbed the lead moments later. Ethan VonLintel jumped a route and returned an interception 23 yards for a pick-six, putting Victoria back on top 14-12 with 6:19 left in the third.Hanover answered quickly, but Victoria’s response was textbook Knights football: a 14-play, 65-yard march capped by Scherrer’s second touchdown, tying the game at 20 early in the fourth. The senior finished with 126 rushing yards and carried the offense through much of the night.But Hanover’s misdirection and trick plays proved the difference. After a Victoria interception, Meyn struck again — this time a 52-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Kickhaefer with 4:30 remaining. It was the Wildcats’ third score of 45 yards or more and their second touchdown thrown by a0 wide receiver.Victoria had two more chances, including a final possession with 1:43 to play, but Kickhaefer sealed the title with his second interception of the fourth. The Wildcats kneeled out the remaining time to secure their eighth state championship and first since 2020.Despite the loss, Victoria outgained Hanover on the ground 201–76, held the Wildcats to just one red-zone touchdown, and controlled the clock for most of the game. Scherrer, Mason Mauch, and the Knights’ offensive line powered a rushing attack that kept them within reach until the final minute.Hanover finished with 228 passing yards — 97 of them from Meyn’s two trick-play touchdowns — and overcame a pick-six to complete a perfect 13-0 season. Victoria, with one of the state’s most disciplined defenses and a senior class of 10, closes its season 11-1 after pushing the unbeaten Wildcats to the wire.

🏈Meyn’s trick-play magic lifts Hanover past Victoria in 8-Man Division II title thriller

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5)KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5)KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Sunday, November 30
 none

Welch Stadium, Emporia Saturday, Nov. 29, 1 p.m. No. 4 Manhattan (10-2) 27, No. 4 Olathe Northwest (9-3) 0&nbsp;

Welch Stadium, Emporia Friday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m. No. 2 Salina Central (11-1) 54, No. 1 Basehor-Linwood (12-0) 34

Welch Stadium, Emporia Saturday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. No. 1 Kapaun Mt. Carmel (11-1) 56, No. 13 Bishop Miege (7-5) 21&nbsp;

Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson Friday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. No. 1 Andale (12-0) 38, No. 1 Topeka Hayden (12-0) 6

Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson Saturday, Nov. 29, noon No. 1 Nemaha Central (12-0) 35, No. 1 Southeast of Saline (12-0) 6

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761404004881.png" alt="KSHSAA Image" />
 <figcaption>KSHSAA Image</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Class 6A</h2>Welch Stadium, Emporia Saturday, Nov. 29, 1 p.m. No. 4 Manhattan (10-2) 27, No. 4 Olathe Northwest (9-3) 0&nbsp;<h2>Class 5A</h2>Welch Stadium, Emporia Friday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m. No. 2 Salina Central (11-1) 54, No. 1 Basehor-Linwood (12-0) 34<h2>Class 4A</h2>Welch Stadium, Emporia Saturday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. No. 1 Kapaun Mt. Carmel (11-1) 56, No. 13 Bishop Miege (7-5) 21&nbsp;<h2>Class 3A</h2>Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson Friday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. No. 1 Andale (12-0) 38, No. 1 Topeka Hayden (12-0) 6<h2>Class 2A</h2>Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson Saturday, Nov. 29, noon No. 1 Nemaha Central (12-0) 35, No. 1 Southeast of Saline (12-0) 6<h2>Class 1A</h2>Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson Friday, Nov. 28, 1 p.m. No. 1 Sterling (12-0) 35, No. 4 Rossville (11-1) 34<h2>8-Man Division I</h2>Kiowa County HS Stadium, Greensburg Saturday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. South Central (11-0) 34, Lincoln (11-1) 8&nbsp;<h2>8-Man Division II</h2>Kiowa County HS Stadium, Greensburg Saturday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; Hanover (12-0) 28, Victoria (11-0) 20<h2>6-Man</h2>Kiowa County HS Stadium, Greensburg Saturday, Nov. 29, 3 p.m. Cunningham (11-1) 51, Weskan (11-1) 8