🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

Fort Hays State begins their final road trip at Missouri Southern State on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Joplin, Mo.

Fort Hays State begins their final road trip at Missouri Southern State on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Joplin, Mo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB at Missouri Southern (Feb. 19, 2026)" 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=wg3ji-1a52e40-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 at Missouri Southern

The 6th-ranked Fort Hays State women begin their final road trip of the regular season at Missouri Southern State on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Joplin, Mo.

The 6th-ranked Fort Hays State women begin their final road trip of the regular season at Missouri Southern State on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Joplin, Mo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB at Missouri Southern (Feb. 19, 2026)" 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=8is7g-1a52e23-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-WBB at Missouri Southern

🎥🏀 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP @ Norton

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

Monday, February 23
 KJLS: Tiger Talk,
9:00am
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Houston, 6:30pm

Tuesday, February 24
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Dodge City, 5:40pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pm

Wednesday, February 25
 none

Thursday, February 26
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 5:05pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB vs. Sterling, 5:40pm

Friday, February 27
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB vs. Syracuse, 5:40pm

Saturday, February 28
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Arizona, 1:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Monday, February 23
 KJLS: Tiger Talk,
9:00am
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Houston, 6:30pmTuesday, February 24
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Dodge City, 5:40pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pmWednesday, February 25
 noneThursday, February 26
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 5:05pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB vs. Sterling, 5:40pmFriday, February 27
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB vs. Syracuse, 5:40pmSaturday, February 28
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Arizona, 1:30pmSunday, March 1
 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling will have four student-athletes competing at the first-ever NCAA Championships next week. The Tigers had seven wrestlers make placement matches and the four qualifying for nationals included Isabella Renfro (180), Leiannah Landreth (117), Nichole Moore (145), and former Hays High standout Alexis Burton (160). The Tigers generated 106.5 points as a team to place fourth.

Renfro took second, while Landreth, Moore, and Burton all placed third to secure their spots at the NCAA Championships. Peyton Hellmann (138) and Morgan Maschmann (124) both finished fourth, while Grace Johns (207) finished fifth.

The Tigers went into Sunday with six wrestlers in the semifinals and three in consolation action. The day started a bit rough for the Tigers as Jaidyn Alvarado (103) and Isabell Ortiz (110) were eliminated in consolation action. FHSU's first five in the semifinals all came up short, but Renfro dialed up the first win of the day for FHSU with a pin in 46 seconds over Samaria Barnett of Texas Woman's. It secured her spot in the NCAA Championships and helped start momentum for the Tigers as they reeled off six-straight wins in consolation action.

Johns picked up a 4-1 win to advance in consolation action before the first five Tiger semifinalists all wrestled their first consolation matches. Landreth picked up a fall in 41 seconds over Sophia Cornish of Colorado Mesa. Maschmann had a 10-0 tech fall over Jada Hernandez of William Jewell. Hellmann pinned Audrey Diaz of Pacific in 4:20. Moore outlasted Kristy More of Sioux Falls 13-10 and Burton picked up a 5-1 decision over Poorna Babu of Texas Woman's. Johns fell short in her second consolation contest of the day, but received fifth place by a medical forfeit.

The Tigers won three of their five third-place matches, and very easily could have been four of five if not for misfortune in one of the matches. Landreth punched her ticket to nationals with a dominating 13-0 tech fall over Flavia Nagatani, a wrestler she had already beat back in the quarterfinals on day one. Maschmann fell short in her match at 124 by fall to Laura Alcantar Soto of Simon Fraser. The misfortune happened at 138 as Hellmann had a commanding 6-0 lead over Ella Finding of Simon Fraser, but could not continue a couple minutes into the match due to an injury. Moore got the Tigers back on track at 145 with a convincing 7-0 win over No. 10 ranked Gretchen Donally of Colorado Mesa. Burton rounded out the national qualifiers for FHSU by winning 3-1 over Alana Duggan of Lindenwood.

Renfro, ranked No. 2 nationally, came up short in the regional title match to No. 3 ranked Destiny Rodriguez of McKendree, an opponent she had defeated by fall earlier in the year. Rodriguez scored a fall this time in 3:36. Renfro will take a 29-2 overall record into the NCAA Championships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771804828516.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics/Jordyn Bredenberg" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics/Jordyn Bredenberg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsST. CHARLES, Mo. – Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling will have four student-athletes competing at the first-ever NCAA Championships next week. The Tigers had seven wrestlers make placement matches and the four qualifying for nationals included Isabella Renfro (180), Leiannah Landreth (117), Nichole Moore (145), and former Hays High standout Alexis Burton (160). The Tigers generated 106.5 points as a team to place fourth.Renfro took second, while Landreth, Moore, and Burton all placed third to secure their spots at the NCAA Championships. Peyton Hellmann (138) and Morgan Maschmann (124) both finished fourth, while Grace Johns (207) finished fifth.The Tigers went into Sunday with six wrestlers in the semifinals and three in consolation action. The day started a bit rough for the Tigers as Jaidyn Alvarado (103) and Isabell Ortiz (110) were eliminated in consolation action. FHSU's first five in the semifinals all came up short, but Renfro dialed up the first win of the day for FHSU with a pin in 46 seconds over Samaria Barnett of Texas Woman's. It secured her spot in the NCAA Championships and helped start momentum for the Tigers as they reeled off six-straight wins in consolation action.Johns picked up a 4-1 win to advance in consolation action before the first five Tiger semifinalists all wrestled their first consolation matches. Landreth picked up a fall in 41 seconds over Sophia Cornish of Colorado Mesa. Maschmann had a 10-0 tech fall over Jada Hernandez of William Jewell. Hellmann pinned Audrey Diaz of Pacific in 4:20. Moore outlasted Kristy More of Sioux Falls 13-10 and Burton picked up a 5-1 decision over Poorna Babu of Texas Woman's. Johns fell short in her second consolation contest of the day, but received fifth place by a medical forfeit.The Tigers won three of their five third-place matches, and very easily could have been four of five if not for misfortune in one of the matches. Landreth punched her ticket to nationals with a dominating 13-0 tech fall over Flavia Nagatani, a wrestler she had already beat back in the quarterfinals on day one. Maschmann fell short in her match at 124 by fall to Laura Alcantar Soto of Simon Fraser. The misfortune happened at 138 as Hellmann had a commanding 6-0 lead over Ella Finding of Simon Fraser, but could not continue a couple minutes into the match due to an injury. Moore got the Tigers back on track at 145 with a convincing 7-0 win over No. 10 ranked Gretchen Donally of Colorado Mesa. Burton rounded out the national qualifiers for FHSU by winning 3-1 over Alana Duggan of Lindenwood.Renfro, ranked No. 2 nationally, came up short in the regional title match to No. 3 ranked Destiny Rodriguez of McKendree, an opponent she had defeated by fall earlier in the year. Rodriguez scored a fall this time in 3:36. Renfro will take a 29-2 overall record into the NCAA Championships.

🤼‍♀️ Burton one of four Tigers qualify for NCAA Championships

WICHITA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team wrapped up the regular season with a 32-18 win over Newman Sunday (Feb. 22) after winning seven of the 10 bouts contested in the dual.

The Tigers finish the regular season 4-10 overall and 2-3 in conference action, placing fourth in the MIAA standings, while the Jets wrap up the year 0-7 overall and 0-5 against league opponents.

Fort Hays State swept the first five matchups, taking a commanding 25-0 lead. But the home team wouldn't give in, capturing six points in each of the next three bouts to pull within 25-18. The Tigers responded by taking the final two contests, clinching the win.

The Jets chose to start the bout at 157 pounds, where Cash Thomas dominated his way to a 15-0 technical fall thanks to a pair of takedowns and eight nearfall points. Cason Lindsey followed with an equally impressive 19-2 technical fall at 165 pounds, racking up five takedowns and one three-count.

Hunter Harris added three team points with a 7-1 decision at 174 pounds thanks to takedowns in the second and third periods. The Jets finally got their first offensive points with two takedowns at 184 pounds, but Houston Frank shook off a 6-2 deficit to win via pin in 6:30.

Ryan Patterson needed just 101 seconds to record a pin at 197 pounds, giving the Tigers their commanding 25-0 lead. Jaxson Thomas looked to keep things rolling after a pair of first-period takedowns at 285, but Newman's Caleb Wunsch managed a reversal and a pin just before the end of the opening frame.

The Jets added six more points via forfeit at 125 pounds before eighth-ranked Jevin Foust secured a third-period pin at 133 pounds to narrow the gap to seven.

Kolton Field stopped the bleeding at 141 pounds, racking up four takedowns to pull away with a 13-4 major decision. Jarret Mader put the nail in the coffin at 149 pounds, using a second period takedown and reversal to win via 6-3 decision.

The Tigers will have one week to prepare for the NCAA Division II Super Region VI Championships, set for Saturday (Feb. 28) in Golden, Colo. Action is slated to begin at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. MT), with the top three placers at each weight locking up a trip to the NCAA Division II Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D. two weeks later.

Fort Hays State 32, Newman 18 157: Cash Thomas over Eli Means (TF 15-0 3:38) 165: Cason Lindsey over Jayden Ford (TF 19-2 5:18) 174: Hunter Harris over Skyler Geer (Dec 7-1) 184: Houston Frank over Chris Mapp (Fall 6:30) 197: Ryan Patterson over Erik Tomanek (Fall 1:31) 285: Caleb Wunsch over Jaxson Thomas (Fall 2:49) 125: Koehn Dietrich over unknown (For.) 133: #8 Jevin Foust over Jett Schwartz (Fall 5:24) 141: Kolton Field over Kaven Bartlett (MD 13-4) 149: Jarret Mader over Colby Schreiner (Dec 6-3)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771805046890.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team wrapped up the regular season with a 32-18 win over Newman Sunday (Feb. 22) after winning seven of the 10 bouts contested in the dual.The Tigers finish the regular season 4-10 overall and 2-3 in conference action, placing fourth in the MIAA standings, while the Jets wrap up the year 0-7 overall and 0-5 against league opponents.Fort Hays State swept the first five matchups, taking a commanding 25-0 lead. But the home team wouldn't give in, capturing six points in each of the next three bouts to pull within 25-18. The Tigers responded by taking the final two contests, clinching the win.The Jets chose to start the bout at 157 pounds, where Cash Thomas dominated his way to a 15-0 technical fall thanks to a pair of takedowns and eight nearfall points. Cason Lindsey followed with an equally impressive 19-2 technical fall at 165 pounds, racking up five takedowns and one three-count.Hunter Harris added three team points with a 7-1 decision at 174 pounds thanks to takedowns in the second and third periods. The Jets finally got their first offensive points with two takedowns at 184 pounds, but Houston Frank shook off a 6-2 deficit to win via pin in 6:30.Ryan Patterson needed just 101 seconds to record a pin at 197 pounds, giving the Tigers their commanding 25-0 lead. Jaxson Thomas looked to keep things rolling after a pair of first-period takedowns at 285, but Newman's Caleb Wunsch managed a reversal and a pin just before the end of the opening frame.The Jets added six more points via forfeit at 125 pounds before eighth-ranked Jevin Foust secured a third-period pin at 133 pounds to narrow the gap to seven.Kolton Field stopped the bleeding at 141 pounds, racking up four takedowns to pull away with a 13-4 major decision. Jarret Mader put the nail in the coffin at 149 pounds, using a second period takedown and reversal to win via 6-3 decision.The Tigers will have one week to prepare for the NCAA Division II Super Region VI Championships, set for Saturday (Feb. 28) in Golden, Colo. Action is slated to begin at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. MT), with the top three placers at each weight locking up a trip to the NCAA Division II Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D. two weeks later.Fort Hays State 32, Newman 18 157: Cash Thomas over Eli Means (TF 15-0 3:38) 165: Cason Lindsey over Jayden Ford (TF 19-2 5:18) 174: Hunter Harris over Skyler Geer (Dec 7-1) 184: Houston Frank over Chris Mapp (Fall 6:30) 197: Ryan Patterson over Erik Tomanek (Fall 1:31) 285: Caleb Wunsch over Jaxson Thomas (Fall 2:49) 125: Koehn Dietrich over unknown (For.) 133: #8 Jevin Foust over Jett Schwartz (Fall 5:24) 141: Kolton Field over Kaven Bartlett (MD 13-4) 149: Jarret Mader over Colby Schreiner (Dec 6-3)

🤼‍♂️ Tiger men take down Jets in regular season finale

TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 4-5 overall on the season with a 7-4 win over Minnesota State to close out the Washburn Invitational on Sunday. The Tigers never trailed and Solana Carpenter threw a complete game in the pitching circle.

The Tigers opened up a 4-0 lead through two innings. They benefitted from an error in the first inning and Abbey Duarte had an RBI double to put the Tigers on top. A Kaydawn Haag walk to open the second led to a Peyton Shepard RBI single. Audrey Gillespie and Abbey Duarte followed with back-to-back RBI doubles.

Minnesota State picked up its first run in the fourth on a Tiger error. The Mavericks scored one more in the fifth on an RBI single to cut the FHSU lead in half. However, the Tigers picked up a run in the bottom of the fifth on a throwing error by the Mavericks. FHSU added two more in the sixth with a 2-RBI double by Gillespie, going up 7-2.

The Mavericks plated two more runs in the seventh on a Tiger miscue, but Carpenter finished the game to pick up her third complete game of the season. She moved to 2-1 on the season by scattering five hits with four walks, while striking out three. Only one of the four runs she allowed was earned.

Jorey Fry took the loss for Minnesota State, surrendering four runs in 1.2 innings. Maddie Oetzmann threw the final 4.1 innings and allowed three runs, while striking out six.

Duarte had a 4-for-4 game at the plate, the first 4-hit game by a Tiger since Alondra Dominguez on February 9, 2024. Gillespie had three RBIs in the game off her two doubles. Shepard crossed the plate three times in the game.

Fort Hays State will head back down I-70 to the east again next week (Feb. 27-Mar. 1). The Tigers are scheduled to play six games in the Top Gun Midwest College Classic in Shawnee, Kan., just outside of Kansas City. The Tigers have a lineup of teams to play from the NSIC and GLVC in the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771805203884.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics/Parker Nisbeth" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics/Parker Nisbeth</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsTOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 4-5 overall on the season with a 7-4 win over Minnesota State to close out the Washburn Invitational on Sunday. The Tigers never trailed and Solana Carpenter threw a complete game in the pitching circle.The Tigers opened up a 4-0 lead through two innings. They benefitted from an error in the first inning and Abbey Duarte had an RBI double to put the Tigers on top. A Kaydawn Haag walk to open the second led to a Peyton Shepard RBI single. Audrey Gillespie and Abbey Duarte followed with back-to-back RBI doubles.Minnesota State picked up its first run in the fourth on a Tiger error. The Mavericks scored one more in the fifth on an RBI single to cut the FHSU lead in half. However, the Tigers picked up a run in the bottom of the fifth on a throwing error by the Mavericks. FHSU added two more in the sixth with a 2-RBI double by Gillespie, going up 7-2.The Mavericks plated two more runs in the seventh on a Tiger miscue, but Carpenter finished the game to pick up her third complete game of the season. She moved to 2-1 on the season by scattering five hits with four walks, while striking out three. Only one of the four runs she allowed was earned.Jorey Fry took the loss for Minnesota State, surrendering four runs in 1.2 innings. Maddie Oetzmann threw the final 4.1 innings and allowed three runs, while striking out six.Duarte had a 4-for-4 game at the plate, the first 4-hit game by a Tiger since Alondra Dominguez on February 9, 2024. Gillespie had three RBIs in the game off her two doubles. Shepard crossed the plate three times in the game.Fort Hays State will head back down I-70 to the east again next week (Feb. 27-Mar. 1). The Tigers are scheduled to play six games in the Top Gun Midwest College Classic in Shawnee, Kan., just outside of Kansas City. The Tigers have a lineup of teams to play from the NSIC and GLVC in the event.

🥎 Tigers defeat Minnesota State to close out Washburn Invitational

MILAN (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/milan-cortina-winter-olympics-hockey-closing-ceremony-updates">The United States is on top</a>&nbsp;of the hockey world for the first time in nearly a half-century. No miracle needed.

Jack Hughes scored in overtime and the U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-gold-medal-game-olympics-c901edacf7f6ccca94b5f19f1d27f479">the gold medal final</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://___%20ap%20winter%20olympics:%20https//apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">the Milan Cortina Olympics</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, earning the nation’s third men’s title at the Games and its first since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1980-miracle-on-ice-hockey-c64ae6cbf5c4b41f71d9a78782409780">“Miracle on Ice”</a>&nbsp;in 1980 — 46 years to the day of the upset over the mighty Soviet Union, too.

Unlike that ragtag group of college kids that pulled off one of the biggest shockers in sports history, the Americans in Milan were a machine that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connor-hellebuyck-team-usa-goalie-443ee4a3f28807aa7c4028ed489ecbd4">rode goaltender Connor Hellebuyck</a>&nbsp;and a roster full of NHL players through the tournament unbeaten. Still, they were underdogs again against the stacked Canadians and came out on top — again.

“This is all about our country right now,” said Hughes, who lost at least one and maybe two of his front teeth taking a high stick during the game. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”

Hughes' goal off the rush off a pass from Zach Werenski 1:41 into 3-on-3 OT sent players into a wild celebration as Canada's entire team watched from the bench. There was a hint of sadness amid all the joy as Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-gaudreau-olympics-team-usa-43c05ba80d4c3f51c4a4b94285c63038">the latest tribute</a>&nbsp;to the beloved player who was killed along with his brother in 2024.

Gaudreau's parents, Guy and Jay, his widow, Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. It was John Jr.'s second birthday and he was brought on the ice with older sister Noa for the team photo.

“He was so near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said of the player known as “Johnny Hockey." “We did it for him.”

Hellebuyck was by far the best player on the ice, stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced as Canada tilted the ice toward him. He made the save of the tournament by getting his stick on the puck on a shot from Devon Toews in the third period, then minutes later denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway — something he also did to Connor McDavid earlier.

"Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck," Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile.”

It was only fitting the Americans needed to go through Canada, their northern neighbor that beat them at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago and has won every international competition over the past 16 years that featured the world's best players.

Winning a fast-paced, riveting game that was full of big hits and plenty of post-whistle altercations, the U.S. got a goal from Matt Boldy 6 minutes in and led until Cale Makar tied it late in the second period. Hellebuyck and the penalty kill was a perfect 18 for 18 at the Olympics.

“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “I mean it’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. Such a good game. There’s so many great players. We’re a great team. That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We’re underdogs to Canada, (but we) beat them. It could have gone either way.”

Hughes paid a painful price when he took the high stick and wound up face down on the ice. The teeth were out, but the celebration wasn't far away.

“More people are going to be looking at his medal than his teeth,” winger Matt Boldy said.

The U.S. finally came through after generations of churning out talent from the grassroots level like a production line. All but two of the 25 players on the team went through USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

That group of 23 includes captain Auston Matthews, the top line of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and the second set of brothers, Jack and Quinn Hughes. Much of the team played together either at the program, under-18s, the world junior championship or some combination of them.

The U.S. winning silenced criticism of general manager Bill Guerin and his management group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-canada-olympic-rosters-gold-8393d8e4b3462ad8dd7bfe4a92382f64">choosing a roster</a>&nbsp;full of experienced veteran players to fill specific roles and leaving four of the top 10 American goal-scorers in the NHL this season at home. Some decisions were no-doubters, like coach Mike Sullivan giving the net to Hellebuyck.

Canada, back-to-back Olympic champions in 2010 and ’14 and winners of three of the first five, fell short while playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby. The 38-year-old two-time gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion left the quarterfinal game against Czechia and sat out the semifinal game against Finland.

McDavid, who wore the “C” in Crosby’s absence, suffered another devastating defeat on the doorstep of a title. He and the Edmonton Oilers have lost to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two years.

Edited By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bridget-brown">BRIDGET BROWN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/linda-petre">LINDA PETRE</a>U Associated Press

The United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the men’s hockey gold on the final day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Olympics</a>. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into overtime.

It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.

The day will end with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-closing-ceremony-olympics-winter-games-144560b4be540d20b5c92f48280ba2d5">the closing ceremony</a>, which will celebrate Italian music and dance, both classic and contemporary, headlining internationally acclaimed ballet dancer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/verona-closing-ceremony-bolle-olympics-2026-winter-fd930b7719cfba7fe9d655de289878bd">Roberto Bolle</a>&nbsp;along with popular Italian singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gaby Ponte.

By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>

As the U.S. team gathered on the ice to celebrate their country’s first gold in men’s hockey since 1980, the crowd joined in on the fun with loud chants of “U-S-A!”

The American men beat Canada 2-1 in overtime — just like the American women beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">other hockey gold</a>.

US wins men’s hockey gold on goal by Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into the first extra period.

It’s a gold medal hockey matchup between the U.S. and Canada. So OF COURSE it’s going to OT.

This men’s matchup is heading to an extra period tied at 1.

Just like Thursday, when the same two countries were even at that score after regulation and went to overtime to decide the gold medal in women’s hockey.

The United States wound up winning that one,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">beating Canada 2-1</a>&nbsp;on Megan Keller’s goal.

Canada is outplaying the Americans — but not outscoring them

Canada has outshot the U.S. by a whopping 41-26 margin through three periods.

The numbers since the start of the second period: 33 shots for Canada, 18 for the U.S.

But American goalie Connor Hellebuyck has kept his team in the game, making 40 saves to keep the score 1-1 as they head to overtime.

He wasn’t able to get to one of Canada’s best chances late in the third period — but Hellebuyck, it turned out, didn’t need to.

That’s because Nathan MacKinnon’s shot right from the doorstep went wide to the right of the net.

Next goal gets gold: Hockey final heads to OT

Canada and the U.S. are headed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/overtime-rules-olympic-hockey-81ee13ed53b5b7da4a93cf2697829312" target="_blank">sudden-death overtime</a>&nbsp;in the men’s hockey final, tied 1-all.

The overtime format for the Olympic gold medal game is similar to what the NHL uses in its Stanley Cup playoffs.

The first goal wins it, no matter how long it might take for one team to score — there’s no shootout — but with 3 on 3, instead of 5 on 5

MILAN (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/milan-cortina-winter-olympics-hockey-closing-ceremony-updates">The United States is on top</a>&nbsp;of the hockey world for the first time in nearly a half-century. No miracle needed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">USA! 🥇🏒🦅🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/oMOCCEy2w0">pic.twitter.com/oMOCCEy2w0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2025600926611059019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RED, WHITE, BLUE AND GOLD. TEAM USA IS BRINGING HOME THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WINTEROLYMPICS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WINTEROLYMPICS</a> GOLD. 🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/tbv1BILBDj">pic.twitter.com/tbv1BILBDj</a>&mdash; USA Hockey (@usahockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/2025599923232616584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jack Hughes scored in overtime and the U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-gold-medal-game-olympics-c901edacf7f6ccca94b5f19f1d27f479">the gold medal final</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://___%20ap%20winter%20olympics:%20https//apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">the Milan Cortina Olympics</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, earning the nation’s third men’s title at the Games and its first since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1980-miracle-on-ice-hockey-c64ae6cbf5c4b41f71d9a78782409780">“Miracle on Ice”</a>&nbsp;in 1980 — 46 years to the day of the upset over the mighty Soviet Union, too.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMERICA WINS GOLD!!! 🥇🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/e3NPfBLu09">pic.twitter.com/e3NPfBLu09</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025601683988914574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/kOiCXdVMao">https://t.co/kOiCXdVMao</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZIiychKPoo">pic.twitter.com/ZIiychKPoo</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025604750608040191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Unlike that ragtag group of college kids that pulled off one of the biggest shockers in sports history, the Americans in Milan were a machine that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connor-hellebuyck-team-usa-goalie-443ee4a3f28807aa7c4028ed489ecbd4">rode goaltender Connor Hellebuyck</a>&nbsp;and a roster full of NHL players through the tournament unbeaten. Still, they were underdogs again against the stacked Canadians and came out on top — again.“This is all about our country right now,” said Hughes, who lost at least one and maybe two of his front teeth taking a high stick during the game. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”Hughes' goal off the rush off a pass from Zach Werenski 1:41 into 3-on-3 OT sent players into a wild celebration as Canada's entire team watched from the bench. There was a hint of sadness amid all the joy as Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-gaudreau-olympics-team-usa-43c05ba80d4c3f51c4a4b94285c63038">the latest tribute</a>&nbsp;to the beloved player who was killed along with his brother in 2024.Gaudreau's parents, Guy and Jay, his widow, Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. It was John Jr.'s second birthday and he was brought on the ice with older sister Noa for the team photo.“He was so near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said of the player known as “Johnny Hockey." “We did it for him.”Hellebuyck was by far the best player on the ice, stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced as Canada tilted the ice toward him. He made the save of the tournament by getting his stick on the puck on a shot from Devon Toews in the third period, then minutes later denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway — something he also did to Connor McDavid earlier."Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck," Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile.”It was only fitting the Americans needed to go through Canada, their northern neighbor that beat them at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago and has won every international competition over the past 16 years that featured the world's best players.Not anymore.Winning a fast-paced, riveting game that was full of big hits and plenty of post-whistle altercations, the U.S. got a goal from Matt Boldy 6 minutes in and led until Cale Makar tied it late in the second period. Hellebuyck and the penalty kill was a perfect 18 for 18 at the Olympics.“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “I mean it’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. Such a good game. There’s so many great players. We’re a great team. That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We’re underdogs to Canada, (but we) beat them. It could have gone either way.”Hughes paid a painful price when he took the high stick and wound up face down on the ice. The teeth were out, but the celebration wasn't far away.“More people are going to be looking at his medal than his teeth,” winger Matt Boldy said.The U.S. finally came through after generations of churning out talent from the grassroots level like a production line. All but two of the 25 players on the team went through USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.That group of 23 includes captain Auston Matthews, the top line of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and the second set of brothers, Jack and Quinn Hughes. Much of the team played together either at the program, under-18s, the world junior championship or some combination of them.The U.S. winning silenced criticism of general manager Bill Guerin and his management group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-canada-olympic-rosters-gold-8393d8e4b3462ad8dd7bfe4a92382f64">choosing a roster</a>&nbsp;full of experienced veteran players to fill specific roles and leaving four of the top 10 American goal-scorers in the NHL this season at home. Some decisions were no-doubters, like coach Mike Sullivan giving the net to Hellebuyck.Canada, back-to-back Olympic champions in 2010 and ’14 and winners of three of the first five, fell short while playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby. The 38-year-old two-time gold medalist and three-time Stanley Cup champion left the quarterfinal game against Czechia and sat out the semifinal game against Finland.McDavid, who wore the “C” in Crosby’s absence, suffered another devastating defeat on the doorstep of a title. He and the Edmonton Oilers have lost to Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two years.___Edited By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bridget-brown">BRIDGET BROWN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/linda-petre">LINDA PETRE</a>U Associated PressThe United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the men’s hockey gold on the final day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Olympics</a>. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into overtime.It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">USA! 🥇🏒🦅🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/oMOCCEy2w0">pic.twitter.com/oMOCCEy2w0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2025600926611059019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RED, WHITE, BLUE AND GOLD. TEAM USA IS BRINGING HOME THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WINTEROLYMPICS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WINTEROLYMPICS</a> GOLD. 🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/tbv1BILBDj">pic.twitter.com/tbv1BILBDj</a>&mdash; USA Hockey (@usahockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey/status/2025599923232616584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The day will end with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-closing-ceremony-olympics-winter-games-144560b4be540d20b5c92f48280ba2d5">the closing ceremony</a>, which will celebrate Italian music and dance, both classic and contemporary, headlining internationally acclaimed ballet dancer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/verona-closing-ceremony-bolle-olympics-2026-winter-fd930b7719cfba7fe9d655de289878bd">Roberto Bolle</a>&nbsp;along with popular Italian singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gaby Ponte.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMERICA WINS GOLD!!! 🥇🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/e3NPfBLu09">pic.twitter.com/e3NPfBLu09</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2025601683988914574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>‘U-S-A!’</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>As the U.S. team gathered on the ice to celebrate their country’s first gold in men’s hockey since 1980, the crowd joined in on the fun with loud chants of “U-S-A!”The American men beat Canada 2-1 in overtime — just like the American women beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">other hockey gold</a>.<h2>US wins men’s hockey gold on goal by Jack Hughes</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>The U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in overtime.Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute, 41 seconds into the first extra period.It is the third Olympic title in men’s hockey for the U.S. — and first since the “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.<h2>OT again!</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>It’s a gold medal hockey matchup between the U.S. and Canada. So OF COURSE it’s going to OT.This men’s matchup is heading to an extra period tied at 1.Just like Thursday, when the same two countries were even at that score after regulation and went to overtime to decide the gold medal in women’s hockey.The United States wound up winning that one,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5" target="_blank">beating Canada 2-1</a>&nbsp;on Megan Keller’s goal.36 min ago<h2>Canada is outplaying the Americans — but not outscoring them</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>Canada has outshot the U.S. by a whopping 41-26 margin through three periods.The numbers since the start of the second period: 33 shots for Canada, 18 for the U.S.But American goalie Connor Hellebuyck has kept his team in the game, making 40 saves to keep the score 1-1 as they head to overtime.He wasn’t able to get to one of Canada’s best chances late in the third period — but Hellebuyck, it turned out, didn’t need to.That’s because Nathan MacKinnon’s shot right from the doorstep went wide to the right of the net.47 min ago<h2>Next goal gets gold: Hockey final heads to OT</h2>By<a href="https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich">HOWARD FENDRICH</a>Canada and the U.S. are headed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/overtime-rules-olympic-hockey-81ee13ed53b5b7da4a93cf2697829312" target="_blank">sudden-death overtime</a>&nbsp;in the men’s hockey final, tied 1-all.The overtime format for the Olympic gold medal game is similar to what the NHL uses in its Stanley Cup playoffs.The first goal wins it, no matter how long it might take for one team to score — there’s no shootout — but with 3 on 3, instead of 5 on 5

🏒 US beats Canada for first men's hockey gold at the Olympics since 1980

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Sunday, February 22
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ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling saw nine of its 10 wrestlers advance to day two of the NCAA Region 6 Championship on Saturday. The Tigers will go into Sunday with six wrestlers in the semifinals and three still alive on the consolation side, looking to punch tickets to the first-ever NCAA Women's Wrestling Championship.

The Tigers made their presence known right out of the gate as all 10 of their wrestlers advanced to the quarterfinals. The Tigers only had byes at a couple of weights, so eight of the 10 were in action in the opening round and pushed the team into first place at the end of the first round.

Fort Hays State saw six of its 10 wrestlers blaze their way into Sunday's semifinals, which included Leiannah Landreth (117), Morgan Maschmann (124), Peyton Hellmann (138), Nichole Moore (145), Alexis Burton (160), and Isabella Renfro (180). Hellmann, Moore, and Burton all won by decision, while Landreth flipped her match with a fall after trailing early. Maschmann won by tech fall and Renfro dialed up a lightning-fast pin in 19 seconds. Wrestlers who are victorious in semifinal matches on Sunday will be guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Championships by making the regional championship match in their respective classes.

Though they came up short in their quarterfinal matches, Jaidyn Alvarado (103), Isabell Ortiz (110), and Grace Johns (207) all look to make noise in consolation action on Sunday in hopes of making the third-place match. All three would need to win three matches in a row to claim third.

Samara Markwardt (131) was the only Tiger knocked out of competition on Saturday. She dropped her consolation match after the quarterfinal loss. She finished 15-11 overall for the season.

Fort Hays State sits in third as a team after the first day of action. McKendree holds the lead with 78 points as all 10 of its wrestlers are in the semifinals. Simon Fraser is second with 61.5 points and seven wrestlers in the semifinals, while Fort Hays State has 58 points.

Team Standings Place	School	Abbrev	Points	Consolation	Championship 1	McKendree 	MCK	78	0	10 2	Simon Fraser	SFU	61.5	2	7 3	Fort Hays State	FHSU	58	3	6 4	Colorado Mesa	CMU	51	5	5 5	Lindenwood	LUSC	41	4	3 6	William Jewell	WJ	35.5	3	3 7	Chadron State	CSC	32.5	3	2 8	Schreiner University	SU	24	3	1 9	Texas Woman`s	TWU	22.5	4	1 10	Adams State	ASU	19.5	5	0 11	Vanguard	VU	17.5	2	1 12	Minot State	MINOT	14.5	1	1 13	Pacific University	PU	14	3	0 14	Sioux Falls	USF	13	2	0 15	Linfield University	LU	7	0	0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771740583671.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsST. CHARLES, Mo. - Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling saw nine of its 10 wrestlers advance to day two of the NCAA Region 6 Championship on Saturday. The Tigers will go into Sunday with six wrestlers in the semifinals and three still alive on the consolation side, looking to punch tickets to the first-ever NCAA Women's Wrestling Championship.The Tigers made their presence known right out of the gate as all 10 of their wrestlers advanced to the quarterfinals. The Tigers only had byes at a couple of weights, so eight of the 10 were in action in the opening round and pushed the team into first place at the end of the first round.Fort Hays State saw six of its 10 wrestlers blaze their way into Sunday's semifinals, which included Leiannah Landreth (117), Morgan Maschmann (124), Peyton Hellmann (138), Nichole Moore (145), Alexis Burton (160), and Isabella Renfro (180). Hellmann, Moore, and Burton all won by decision, while Landreth flipped her match with a fall after trailing early. Maschmann won by tech fall and Renfro dialed up a lightning-fast pin in 19 seconds. Wrestlers who are victorious in semifinal matches on Sunday will be guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Championships by making the regional championship match in their respective classes.Though they came up short in their quarterfinal matches, Jaidyn Alvarado (103), Isabell Ortiz (110), and Grace Johns (207) all look to make noise in consolation action on Sunday in hopes of making the third-place match. All three would need to win three matches in a row to claim third.Samara Markwardt (131) was the only Tiger knocked out of competition on Saturday. She dropped her consolation match after the quarterfinal loss. She finished 15-11 overall for the season.Fort Hays State sits in third as a team after the first day of action. McKendree holds the lead with 78 points as all 10 of its wrestlers are in the semifinals. Simon Fraser is second with 61.5 points and seven wrestlers in the semifinals, while Fort Hays State has 58 points.Team Standings Place	School	Abbrev	Points	Consolation	Championship 1	McKendree 	MCK	78	0	10 2	Simon Fraser	SFU	61.5	2	7 3	Fort Hays State	FHSU	58	3	6 4	Colorado Mesa	CMU	51	5	5 5	Lindenwood	LUSC	41	4	3 6	William Jewell	WJ	35.5	3	3 7	Chadron State	CSC	32.5	3	2 8	Schreiner University	SU	24	3	1 9	Texas Woman`s	TWU	22.5	4	1 10	Adams State	ASU	19.5	5	0 11	Vanguard	VU	17.5	2	1 12	Minot State	MINOT	14.5	1	1 13	Pacific University	PU	14	3	0 14	Sioux Falls	USF	13	2	0 15	Linfield University	LU	7	0	0

🤼‍♀️ Nine Tigers advance to Sunday at NCAA Regional

HAYS - Hays High hosted the 5A West Super Regional in the first year of the new high school. The Indians qualified seven wrestlers for next week's 5A State Tournament. Johnny Rigler and Tanner Geist both won regional championships.

Newton won the team title over Goddard by five and a half points, 178.0 to 172.5. Hays placed sixth with 147.5 points.&nbsp;

Hays had the third most pins on the day with 17.&nbsp;

Rigler opened the 190 pound bracket with a bye the pinned his next three opponents. The first two falls came in the first period, including a 37 second victory in the quarterfinals. Rigler won by fall in the third period to advance to the championship match. His final wrestling match at Hays High School resulted in a 13-6 decision over Jackson Anderson of Hutchinson. it was Rigler's 40th victory on the season.

Tanner Geist won his first three matches by fall. The first two came in the first period, the quickest occurring in the first round at just 58 seconds. Geist defeated his semifinal opponent with a third period pin. He entered the regional tournament ranked fifth in 5A. He defeated the fourth ranked wrestler, Jose Vargas of Emporia, 3-1 in the final for his 40th victory.

Gaven Deneault qualified with a fourth place finish at 106 pounds. He won his first round by fall in just 48 seconds. Deneault then suffered his first defeat on the day by a 13-6 decision in the quarterfinal round. He quickly bounced back with back-to-back first period falls and a 3-1 decision. Deneault lost his third place match to the second ranked 5A wrestler, Dion Brown of Hutchinson, by a 10-5 decision.

Ethan Branaman took the long way to a state qualifying berth at 113 pounds after losing his first round match. Branaman won his first two consolation matches by fall and then the third by a 19-4 technical fall. That victory put Branaman into a state qualifying position and finished 6th on the day.

Grady Lind qualified at 144 pounds. Lind made his way to the semifinal round following a 5-0 decision in the opener and a second period fall in the quarterfinals. Lind lost his semifinal match to the number ranked wrestler in 5A. He then split his last two matches with a 4-1 victory and 5-0 loss.

Archer Amrein's first wrestling season at Hays High resulted in a state berth. Amrein now has 41 victories on the season after picking up three more wins and a fourth place finish on Saturday. Amrein won his first two matches by fall to advance to the semifinals. Like Lind, Amrein fell in the semifinals to the number one ranked wrestler in 5A. Amrein won his next match by injury default and then lost in the third place match to the number two ranked wrestler in the class.

Jaxson Chartier finished runner-up at 215 pounds. Chartier received a bye in the first round and then won in a late first period fall. The semifinal round ended in a heart-stopping 1-0 decision win for the Hays senior. Chartier lost in the championship match to a Western Athletic Conference foe, Trenton Kern of Great Bend, by fall.

Hays Post SportsHAYS - Hays High hosted the 5A West Super Regional in the first year of the new high school. The Indians qualified seven wrestlers for next week's 5A State Tournament. Johnny Rigler and Tanner Geist both won regional championships.Newton won the team title over Goddard by five and a half points, 178.0 to 172.5. Hays placed sixth with 147.5 points.&nbsp;Hays had the third most pins on the day with 17.&nbsp;Rigler opened the 190 pound bracket with a bye the pinned his next three opponents. The first two falls came in the first period, including a 37 second victory in the quarterfinals. Rigler won by fall in the third period to advance to the championship match. His final wrestling match at Hays High School resulted in a 13-6 decision over Jackson Anderson of Hutchinson. it was Rigler's 40th victory on the season.Tanner Geist won his first three matches by fall. The first two came in the first period, the quickest occurring in the first round at just 58 seconds. Geist defeated his semifinal opponent with a third period pin. He entered the regional tournament ranked fifth in 5A. He defeated the fourth ranked wrestler, Jose Vargas of Emporia, 3-1 in the final for his 40th victory.Gaven Deneault qualified with a fourth place finish at 106 pounds. He won his first round by fall in just 48 seconds. Deneault then suffered his first defeat on the day by a 13-6 decision in the quarterfinal round. He quickly bounced back with back-to-back first period falls and a 3-1 decision. Deneault lost his third place match to the second ranked 5A wrestler, Dion Brown of Hutchinson, by a 10-5 decision.Ethan Branaman took the long way to a state qualifying berth at 113 pounds after losing his first round match. Branaman won his first two consolation matches by fall and then the third by a 19-4 technical fall. That victory put Branaman into a state qualifying position and finished 6th on the day.Grady Lind qualified at 144 pounds. Lind made his way to the semifinal round following a 5-0 decision in the opener and a second period fall in the quarterfinals. Lind lost his semifinal match to the number ranked wrestler in 5A. He then split his last two matches with a 4-1 victory and 5-0 loss.Archer Amrein's first wrestling season at Hays High resulted in a state berth. Amrein now has 41 victories on the season after picking up three more wins and a fourth place finish on Saturday. Amrein won his first two matches by fall to advance to the semifinals. Like Lind, Amrein fell in the semifinals to the number one ranked wrestler in 5A. Amrein won his next match by injury default and then lost in the third place match to the number two ranked wrestler in the class.Jaxson Chartier finished runner-up at 215 pounds. Chartier received a bye in the first round and then won in a late first period fall. The semifinal round ended in a heart-stopping 1-0 decision win for the Hays senior. Chartier lost in the championship match to a Western Athletic Conference foe, Trenton Kern of Great Bend, by fall.

🤼‍♂️ Hays qualifies seven for 5A state Rigler, Geist champs

LENEXA – The Hays High boys’ swim team accomplished a season goal Saturday, bringing home some medals from the Class 5-1A State Swimming and Diving Championships.

The Indians placed in the top 10 of all three relays and finished in the top 15 in team scoring at 14th place.

Seniors Karsen Flaska, Chase Zadina and Seth Burkholder closed out their prep careers in style, joining junior Cedric Durr to claim the eighth-place medals in the final event of the day – the 400-yard relay team.

An all-out effort the day before had put that foursome into the medal round, cutting more than six seconds off their seed time to finish eighth among the qualifiers with a time of 3:36.36.

The top eight preliminary times at state qualify for Saturday’s medal round, with the ninth- through 16th-place times in prelim action compete in Saturday’s consolation finals.

Flaska, Zadina and Durr were part of all three&nbsp;state-qualifying relays for the Indians.

Senior Maison Desaire joined that threesome for a ninth-place finish in the 200y freestyle relay, claiming the top finish in the consolation bracket with a school-record time of 1:34.03.

The Indians’ 200y medley started off Saturday’s finals with a 10th-place finish. The Flaska-Zadina-Durr combo was joined by freshman Jace Herbers on that relay team.

In Friday’s prelims, Flaska began the 200y medley with the backstroke, followed by Herbers (breaststroke) and Durr (butterfly), before Zadina brought them home in the freestyle portion of the race for a school-record time of 1:47.06.

Zadina also competed in an individual event, just missing the qualifying time for Saturday’s finals with his 22nd-place finish in the 50y freestyle in Friday’s prelims.

Flaska also had qualified for state individually, in the 100y backstroke, but opted out of competing in that event to stay fresh for the relays.

Now, he and Zadina will leave Hays High as state medalists, as well as record holders in all three relays.

SubmittedLENEXA – The Hays High boys’ swim team accomplished a season goal Saturday, bringing home some medals from the Class 5-1A State Swimming and Diving Championships.The Indians placed in the top 10 of all three relays and finished in the top 15 in team scoring at 14th place.Seniors Karsen Flaska, Chase Zadina and Seth Burkholder closed out their prep careers in style, joining junior Cedric Durr to claim the eighth-place medals in the final event of the day – the 400-yard relay team.An all-out effort the day before had put that foursome into the medal round, cutting more than six seconds off their seed time to finish eighth among the qualifiers with a time of 3:36.36.The top eight preliminary times at state qualify for Saturday’s medal round, with the ninth- through 16th-place times in prelim action compete in Saturday’s consolation finals.Flaska, Zadina and Durr were part of all three&nbsp;state-qualifying relays for the Indians.Senior Maison Desaire joined that threesome for a ninth-place finish in the 200y freestyle relay, claiming the top finish in the consolation bracket with a school-record time of 1:34.03.The Indians’ 200y medley started off Saturday’s finals with a 10th-place finish. The Flaska-Zadina-Durr combo was joined by freshman Jace Herbers on that relay team.In Friday’s prelims, Flaska began the 200y medley with the backstroke, followed by Herbers (breaststroke) and Durr (butterfly), before Zadina brought them home in the freestyle portion of the race for a school-record time of 1:47.06.Zadina also competed in an individual event, just missing the qualifying time for Saturday’s finals with his 22nd-place finish in the 50y freestyle in Friday’s prelims.Flaska also had qualified for state individually, in the 100y backstroke, but opted out of competing in that event to stay fresh for the relays.It turned out to be a good decision.Now, he and Zadina will leave Hays High as state medalists, as well as record holders in all three relays.

🏊‍♀️ Indian relay team medals at state

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 18-9 overall and 10-8 in the MIAA with a 65-56 win at Pittsburg State on Saturday afternoon at John Lance Arena. The Tigers moved back above the Gorillas in the MIAA standings, who fell to 15-12 overall and 9-8 in the MIAA. FHSU took the lead for good with about six minutes remaining in the game, picking up its second-straight win over PSU going back to last season.

After Pittsburg State briefly held a few small leads in the first five and a half minutes of the game, FHSU took the lead with a little over 13 minutes remaining in the half and kept it all the way to half. A 6-0 burst by the Tigers, which included a 4-point play from Jahvari Martino, pushed their lead to 11 with under a minute to go. The Gorillas hit the final basket of the first half and FHSU led 31-22 at the break.

An 11-2 run by Pittsburg State erased FHSU's nine-point lead over about a six-minute span, tying the game 44-44 with just under nine minutes to play. The Gorillas went into the lead by one point two times, but a Lucas Hammeke layup near the 6:00 mark put the Tigers back on top for good. That sparked a 9-0 run by the Tigers to go up eight, which featured a pair of baskets by Dan Mukuna and a 3-point field goal by Kyle Grill. The Gorillas got back within three at the 2:53 mark, but FHSU limited PSU to just two points the rest of the game and won by nine.

FHSU limited PSU to just 36.5 percent shooting from the field for the game, while shooting 41.4 percent overall. Mukuna led the scoring for FHSU with 14 points, while Martino had 12 and Hammeke had 11. FHSU did a great job protecting the ball with a season-low three turnovers, while forcing PSU into 14. The Tigers outscored the Gorillas 15-0 on points off turnovers.

Mason English and Donald Coats each had 12 points to lead PSU. Alijah Curry added 10. Coats finished with a double-double by securing 13 rebounds.

Fort Hays State returns home to host Nebraska-Kearney in the final home game of the regular season on Thursday night (Feb. 26). Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771741451736.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State forward Eli Lawson (32) attempts a shot over Emporia State's Treyvon Taylor on Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Emporia, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Mason Hart, ESU Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State forward Eli Lawson (32) attempts a shot over Emporia State's Treyvon Taylor on Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Emporia, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Mason Hart, ESU Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsPITTSBURG, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 18-9 overall and 10-8 in the MIAA with a 65-56 win at Pittsburg State on Saturday afternoon at John Lance Arena. The Tigers moved back above the Gorillas in the MIAA standings, who fell to 15-12 overall and 9-8 in the MIAA. FHSU took the lead for good with about six minutes remaining in the game, picking up its second-straight win over PSU going back to last season.<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%253A2270990060&color=%23ff5500&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/johnson-post-int-v-pitt-state" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at Pittsburg State (Feb. 21, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at Pittsburg State (Feb. 21, 2026)</a></div></div>After Pittsburg State briefly held a few small leads in the first five and a half minutes of the game, FHSU took the lead with a little over 13 minutes remaining in the half and kept it all the way to half. A 6-0 burst by the Tigers, which included a 4-point play from Jahvari Martino, pushed their lead to 11 with under a minute to go. The Gorillas hit the final basket of the first half and FHSU led 31-22 at the break.An 11-2 run by Pittsburg State erased FHSU's nine-point lead over about a six-minute span, tying the game 44-44 with just under nine minutes to play. The Gorillas went into the lead by one point two times, but a Lucas Hammeke layup near the 6:00 mark put the Tigers back on top for good. That sparked a 9-0 run by the Tigers to go up eight, which featured a pair of baskets by Dan Mukuna and a 3-point field goal by Kyle Grill. The Gorillas got back within three at the 2:53 mark, but FHSU limited PSU to just two points the rest of the game and won by nine.<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%253A2270996063&color=%23ff5500&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/fhsu-mbkb-highlights-v-pitt" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Pittsburg State (Feb. 21, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Pittsburg State (Feb. 21, 2026)</a></div></div>FHSU limited PSU to just 36.5 percent shooting from the field for the game, while shooting 41.4 percent overall. Mukuna led the scoring for FHSU with 14 points, while Martino had 12 and Hammeke had 11. FHSU did a great job protecting the ball with a season-low three turnovers, while forcing PSU into 14. The Tigers outscored the Gorillas 15-0 on points off turnovers.Mason English and Donald Coats each had 12 points to lead PSU. Alijah Curry added 10. Coats finished with a double-double by securing 13 rebounds.Fort Hays State returns home to host Nebraska-Kearney in the final home game of the regular season on Thursday night (Feb. 26). Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.

🏀 Tigers defeat Gorillas in Pittsburg

PITTSBURG, Kan. - After facing a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit, the sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team rallied to defeat No. 25 Pittsburg State in overtime on Saturday at John Lance Arena, 74-71. A layup from Talexa Weeter with less than one second remaining set things to an extra period before the Tigers (24-3, 15-3 MIAA) led wire-to-wire in the extra period.

After recording the first Tiger triple-double in 4,076 days last Thursday, Brooke Loewe needed just nine days to duplicate that effort, totaling 12 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the come-from-behind win. The senior now has 280 assists on the year, breaking a 27-year-old MIAA record (271, Jennifer Perine, ESU, 1998-99).

The Tigers struggled to find the bottom of the net over the first three quarters, shooting just 30.9 percent from the floor over the first 30 minutes of action (17-of-55).

FHSU managed to lead 19-17 at the end of the first quarter thanks to eight points and a pair of 3-pointers from Ellie Stearns, but the Gorillas (18-8, 11-6 MIAA) held FHSU to just six points in the second quarter to take a 36-25 lead into the locker room.

The six second-quarter points are tied for the Tigers' fewest during the Talia Kahrs era, while Pittsburg State scored 15 in a row in the second frame to match the longest run by an FHSU opponent this season.

After trailing by as many as 15 in the first half, another Stearns triple helped the Tigers pull within eight early in the second half, 38-30. Pittsburg State soon pushed its lead back to 14 before Weeter took over, scoring 13 points in the frame to allow FHSU to pull back within 11 with 10 minutes to play, 52-41.

The Gorilla advantage grew to 13 on two occasions in the first minute of the fourth quarter before the Tigers started their rally. A Mikayla Pilley 3-pointer kickstarted a 12-2 Tiger run over the next six minutes, helping the visitors pull within two with 2:30 to play.

A traditional 3-point play from Weeter made it 60-58 with 2:27 on the clock before a long-range triple from the Goodland, Kan. junior made it a one-point game with 1:51 remaining.

FHSU got a stop but missed a potential go-ahead bucket in the final minute, allowing the Gorillas to push their lead to three with 30 ticks left. Weeter made it a one-point game with layup with 13.2 seconds on the clock before the Tigers forced a five-second call on the ensuing inbounds pass.

The Tigers drew up a good play to get a layup with three seconds remaining, but Stearns' effort was blocked before the Tigers fouled with 1.9 seconds to go. Pittsburg State missed its first free throw but made the second, allowing the black and gold to call timeout and advance the ball into the front court.

Kahrs drew up a perfect play, allowing Weeter to get an open look from close range that she buried with 0.6 left, tying the score at 65. The Gorillas were out of timeouts and were unable to advance the ball, missing a full-court heave to send things to overtime.

Fort Hays State never trailed in the extra period, scoring the first five points after an Olivia Mortensen layup and a Loewe 3-pointer. Pittsburg State pulled within one in the final minute, 72-71, but the Gorillas hit just 2-of-5 from the free-throw line in the extra period to come up just short.

Pittsburg State had the ball down two with 15 seconds to go in overtime, but Stearns slapped the ball out of a Gorillas hands before Pilley dove on the floor to collect the loose ball and call timeout with 5.8 seconds remaining. Loewe hit the first of two free throws to make it a three-point advantage with 3.3 seconds to go but missed the second, forcing the Gorillas to go the length of the court. Their half-court heave came up short, giving the Tigers the come-from-behind victory.

Weeder led all scorers with 34 points while adding a career-high 15 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the season and the 11th of her career. It was the junior's 12th 30-point game of her career, two shy of the FHSU record for 30-point performances. Weeter has now scored 748 points this season, 49 shy of the MIAA record (797, Jennifer Harris, Washburn, 2005-06).

Stearns added 13 points and three steals after knocking down a trio of shots from behind the arc, giving the senior 137 long-range makes for her career to move to ninth on the all-time list at FHSU.

Mortensen tallied nine points and two steals, with Pilley adding six points off the bench.

The Tigers finished the game shooting 37.0 percent from the floor (30-of-81), their second-lowest shooting percentage in a game this season. Pittsburg State outrebounded the Tigers by 11, 53-42, including 15 offensive rebounds that turned into 19 second-chance points.

However, two days after allowing 24 points off turnovers, the Tigers allowed PSU just one point off 11 turnovers on Saturday.

With the win, the Tigers improve to 13-1 coming off a loss during the Kahrs era, losing back-to-back games only once over the last three years. FHSU is also 5-0 in overtime under Kahrs.

Still one-half game back of Central Missouri (21-5, 15-2 MIAA) in the league standings, the Tigers will wrap up the regular season next Thursday (Feb. 26) when they host rival Nebraska-Kearney beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771740802279.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsPITTSBURG, Kan. - After facing a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit, the sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team rallied to defeat No. 25 Pittsburg State in overtime on Saturday at John Lance Arena, 74-71. A layup from Talexa Weeter with less than one second remaining set things to an extra period before the Tigers (24-3, 15-3 MIAA) led wire-to-wire in the extra period.<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%253A2270945405&color=%23ff5500&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/kahrs-post-int-v-pitt-state" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame at #25 Pittsburg State (Feb. 21, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame at #25 Pittsburg State (Feb. 21, 2026)</a></div></div>After recording the first Tiger triple-double in 4,076 days last Thursday, Brooke Loewe needed just nine days to duplicate that effort, totaling 12 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the come-from-behind win. The senior now has 280 assists on the year, breaking a 27-year-old MIAA record (271, Jennifer Perine, ESU, 1998-99).The Tigers struggled to find the bottom of the net over the first three quarters, shooting just 30.9 percent from the floor over the first 30 minutes of action (17-of-55).FHSU managed to lead 19-17 at the end of the first quarter thanks to eight points and a pair of 3-pointers from Ellie Stearns, but the Gorillas (18-8, 11-6 MIAA) held FHSU to just six points in the second quarter to take a 36-25 lead into the locker room.The six second-quarter points are tied for the Tigers' fewest during the Talia Kahrs era, while Pittsburg State scored 15 in a row in the second frame to match the longest run by an FHSU opponent this season.<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%253A2270945207&color=%23ff5500&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/fhsu-wbkb-highlights-v-pitt-1" title="#6 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at #25 Pittsburg State (Feb. 21, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#6 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at #25 Pittsburg State (Feb. 21, 2026)</a></div></div>After trailing by as many as 15 in the first half, another Stearns triple helped the Tigers pull within eight early in the second half, 38-30. Pittsburg State soon pushed its lead back to 14 before Weeter took over, scoring 13 points in the frame to allow FHSU to pull back within 11 with 10 minutes to play, 52-41.The Gorilla advantage grew to 13 on two occasions in the first minute of the fourth quarter before the Tigers started their rally. A Mikayla Pilley 3-pointer kickstarted a 12-2 Tiger run over the next six minutes, helping the visitors pull within two with 2:30 to play.A traditional 3-point play from Weeter made it 60-58 with 2:27 on the clock before a long-range triple from the Goodland, Kan. junior made it a one-point game with 1:51 remaining.FHSU got a stop but missed a potential go-ahead bucket in the final minute, allowing the Gorillas to push their lead to three with 30 ticks left. Weeter made it a one-point game with layup with 13.2 seconds on the clock before the Tigers forced a five-second call on the ensuing inbounds pass.The Tigers drew up a good play to get a layup with three seconds remaining, but Stearns' effort was blocked before the Tigers fouled with 1.9 seconds to go. Pittsburg State missed its first free throw but made the second, allowing the black and gold to call timeout and advance the ball into the front court.Kahrs drew up a perfect play, allowing Weeter to get an open look from close range that she buried with 0.6 left, tying the score at 65. The Gorillas were out of timeouts and were unable to advance the ball, missing a full-court heave to send things to overtime.Fort Hays State never trailed in the extra period, scoring the first five points after an Olivia Mortensen layup and a Loewe 3-pointer. Pittsburg State pulled within one in the final minute, 72-71, but the Gorillas hit just 2-of-5 from the free-throw line in the extra period to come up just short.Pittsburg State had the ball down two with 15 seconds to go in overtime, but Stearns slapped the ball out of a Gorillas hands before Pilley dove on the floor to collect the loose ball and call timeout with 5.8 seconds remaining. Loewe hit the first of two free throws to make it a three-point advantage with 3.3 seconds to go but missed the second, forcing the Gorillas to go the length of the court. Their half-court heave came up short, giving the Tigers the come-from-behind victory.Weeder led all scorers with 34 points while adding a career-high 15 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the season and the 11th of her career. It was the junior's 12th 30-point game of her career, two shy of the FHSU record for 30-point performances. Weeter has now scored 748 points this season, 49 shy of the MIAA record (797, Jennifer Harris, Washburn, 2005-06).Stearns added 13 points and three steals after knocking down a trio of shots from behind the arc, giving the senior 137 long-range makes for her career to move to ninth on the all-time list at FHSU.Mortensen tallied nine points and two steals, with Pilley adding six points off the bench.The Tigers finished the game shooting 37.0 percent from the floor (30-of-81), their second-lowest shooting percentage in a game this season. Pittsburg State outrebounded the Tigers by 11, 53-42, including 15 offensive rebounds that turned into 19 second-chance points.However, two days after allowing 24 points off turnovers, the Tigers allowed PSU just one point off 11 turnovers on Saturday.With the win, the Tigers improve to 13-1 coming off a loss during the Kahrs era, losing back-to-back games only once over the last three years. FHSU is also 5-0 in overtime under Kahrs.Still one-half game back of Central Missouri (21-5, 15-2 MIAA) in the league standings, the Tigers will wrap up the regular season next Thursday (Feb. 26) when they host rival Nebraska-Kearney beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

🏀 No. 6 Tiger women rally past No. 25 Gorillas in OT, Loewe breaks MIAA assists record

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell had 26 points with six 3-pointers, Christian Anderson scored 21 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 13</a>&nbsp;Texas Tech beat Kansas State 100-72 on Saturday in the first game for the Red Raiders since standout post JT Toppin's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/toppin-texas-tech-acl-db87460d6a72580c11c7fc256156061f">season-ending knee injury</a>.

Texas Tech (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) maintained a double-digit lead after making nine consecutive shots, including three 3s in a row by Atwell, during a 26-10 run in just under seven minutes for a 40-20 lead with 6:20 left in the first half.

Anderson, who also had nine assists, scored 16 of his points after halftime, when LeJuan Watts had 13 of his 19.

The Red Raiders reached 20 wins for the third season in a row. The school record is four, with coach Bob Knight from 2001-02 to 2004-05.

PJ Haggerty had 17 points and Nate Johnson 15 points for Kansas State (11-16, 2-12), which was playing its second game since a coaching change. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-kansas-state-0697fac96a6dbedd6e199b0b1ebfe789">Wildcats beat Baylor 90-74</a>&nbsp;at home Tuesday, two days after coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-basketball-jerome-tang-fired-661654e2e421d697212fcdfb30a3f534">Jerome Tang was fired</a>.

The Wildcats led only twice at Tech, when Johnson made their first two shots of the game, a 3 and then a jumper that made it 5-3.

Toppin, the preseason AP All-America selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while having 16 double-doubles before tearing the ACL in his right knee in a 72-67 loss at Arizona State on Tuesday night. He sat at the end of the Tech bench Saturday.

Sophomore forward Luke Bamgboye, a 6-foot-11 transfer from VCU, made his fifth start for the Red Raiders, his first since Dec. 7. He scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting while also having six rebounds and three blocked shots in 21 minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771717392709.jpeg" alt="Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives to the basket ahead of Kansas State guard Mobi Ikegwuruka during the first half in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)" />
 <figcaption>Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) drives to the basket ahead of Kansas State guard Mobi Ikegwuruka during the first half in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Donovan Atwell had 26 points with six 3-pointers, Christian Anderson scored 21 and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 13</a>&nbsp;Texas Tech beat Kansas State 100-72 on Saturday in the first game for the Red Raiders since standout post JT Toppin's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/toppin-texas-tech-acl-db87460d6a72580c11c7fc256156061f">season-ending knee injury</a>.Texas Tech (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) maintained a double-digit lead after making nine consecutive shots, including three 3s in a row by Atwell, during a 26-10 run in just under seven minutes for a 40-20 lead with 6:20 left in the first half.Anderson, who also had nine assists, scored 16 of his points after halftime, when LeJuan Watts had 13 of his 19.The Red Raiders reached 20 wins for the third season in a row. The school record is four, with coach Bob Knight from 2001-02 to 2004-05.PJ Haggerty had 17 points and Nate Johnson 15 points for Kansas State (11-16, 2-12), which was playing its second game since a coaching change. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-kansas-state-0697fac96a6dbedd6e199b0b1ebfe789">Wildcats beat Baylor 90-74</a>&nbsp;at home Tuesday, two days after coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-basketball-jerome-tang-fired-661654e2e421d697212fcdfb30a3f534">Jerome Tang was fired</a>.The Wildcats led only twice at Tech, when Johnson made their first two shots of the game, a 3 and then a jumper that made it 5-3.Toppin, the preseason AP All-America selection, averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while having 16 double-doubles before tearing the ACL in his right knee in a 72-67 loss at Arizona State on Tuesday night. He sat at the end of the Tech bench Saturday.Sophomore forward Luke Bamgboye, a 6-foot-11 transfer from VCU, made his fifth start for the Red Raiders, his first since Dec. 7. He scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting while also having six rebounds and three blocked shots in 21 minutes.

🏀Atwell, Anderson lead Texas Tech to win over K-State

TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State played only one game on Saturday at the Washburn Invitational. The first contest against Rockhurst was canceled due to lingering weather-related issues from the night before. The Tigers fell in their only contest of the day to Drury University by a score of 3-1. The Tigers are now 3-5 overall for the season.

Fort Hays State took the early advantage in the game with its lone run in the third inning. Lilly Mohr and Kaydawn Haag singles, a Hannah Green sacrifice bunt, and a Peyton Shepard RBI single manufactured the run.

FHSU pitcher Solana Carpenter kept the Panthers hitless through three innings and gave up just one hit in the fourth. She ran into trouble in the fifth as three extra-base hits did all of the scoring damage for Drury. Kaley Adzick doubled, Reece Anderson tripled her home to tie the game, and then Emma Niemczyk homered to put the Panthers up 3-1. Carpenter threw a complete game, allowing six hits with three strikeouts.

Adzick, the pitcher for Drury, moved to 2-1 on the season scattering five hits with five strikeouts.

Fort Hays State is scheduled to play one more game at the Washburn Invitational on Sunday. The Tigers will take on Minnesota State at 11 a.m., which is an hour later than the original start time posted for the weekend. The game will be at Gahnstrom Field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771741638618.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsTOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State played only one game on Saturday at the Washburn Invitational. The first contest against Rockhurst was canceled due to lingering weather-related issues from the night before. The Tigers fell in their only contest of the day to Drury University by a score of 3-1. The Tigers are now 3-5 overall for the season.Fort Hays State took the early advantage in the game with its lone run in the third inning. Lilly Mohr and Kaydawn Haag singles, a Hannah Green sacrifice bunt, and a Peyton Shepard RBI single manufactured the run.FHSU pitcher Solana Carpenter kept the Panthers hitless through three innings and gave up just one hit in the fourth. She ran into trouble in the fifth as three extra-base hits did all of the scoring damage for Drury. Kaley Adzick doubled, Reece Anderson tripled her home to tie the game, and then Emma Niemczyk homered to put the Panthers up 3-1. Carpenter threw a complete game, allowing six hits with three strikeouts.Adzick, the pitcher for Drury, moved to 2-1 on the season scattering five hits with five strikeouts.Fort Hays State is scheduled to play one more game at the Washburn Invitational on Sunday. The Tigers will take on Minnesota State at 11 a.m., which is an hour later than the original start time posted for the weekend. The game will be at Gahnstrom Field.

🥎 Tigers fall to Drury on Saturday at Washburn Invitational

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Moustapha Thiam had a career-high 28 points and led Cincinnati to an 84-68 upset of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 8</a>&nbsp;Kansas on Saturday.

This was the second win of the season for Cincinnati (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) against a ranked team, having taken down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cincinnati-basketball-score-ec0d2a1a062988a0f4f2707e609fdd92">then-No. 2 Iowa State 79-70</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 17.

The 7-footer Thiam made 11 of 17 shots from the field and had eight rebounds. Baba Miller added 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Jalen Celeste had 14 points and eight rebounds, shooting 4 of 8 on 3-pointers. Day Day Thomas scored 10.

Cincinnati held a 36-34 lead after a tumultuous first half that saw nine ties and 10 lead changes. The Bearcats kept the Jayhawks (20-7, 10-4) at arm’s length with timely shots to kill momentum throughout the second, only allowing Kansas to pull ahead for one possession before retaking the lead.

They delivered the final blows with a 20-8 run, surging ahead by double digits for the first time with less than five minutes to go.

The Bearcats were particularly effective from behind the 3-point line, where they made 12 of 21 attempts.

Flory Bidunga led the Jayhawks with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman star Darryn Peterson had 17 points in 32 minutes after leaving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-oklahoma-st-score-dfb47c76d8ff123cd71b6782fe130097">Kansas’ last game against Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;early in the second half. Tre White scored 11.

Cincinnati: Visits No. 13 Texas Tech on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771709093540.png" alt="Photo Cincinnati Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Cincinnati Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Moustapha Thiam had a career-high 28 points and led Cincinnati to an 84-68 upset of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 8</a>&nbsp;Kansas on Saturday.This was the second win of the season for Cincinnati (15-12, 7-7 Big 12) against a ranked team, having taken down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cincinnati-basketball-score-ec0d2a1a062988a0f4f2707e609fdd92">then-No. 2 Iowa State 79-70</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 17.The 7-footer Thiam made 11 of 17 shots from the field and had eight rebounds. Baba Miller added 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.Jalen Celeste had 14 points and eight rebounds, shooting 4 of 8 on 3-pointers. Day Day Thomas scored 10.Cincinnati held a 36-34 lead after a tumultuous first half that saw nine ties and 10 lead changes. The Bearcats kept the Jayhawks (20-7, 10-4) at arm’s length with timely shots to kill momentum throughout the second, only allowing Kansas to pull ahead for one possession before retaking the lead.They delivered the final blows with a 20-8 run, surging ahead by double digits for the first time with less than five minutes to go.The Bearcats were particularly effective from behind the 3-point line, where they made 12 of 21 attempts.The Jayhawks were 4 of 18 on 3s.Flory Bidunga led the Jayhawks with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman star Darryn Peterson had 17 points in 32 minutes after leaving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-oklahoma-st-score-dfb47c76d8ff123cd71b6782fe130097">Kansas’ last game against Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;early in the second half. Tre White scored 11.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Hosts No. 2 Houston on Monday.Cincinnati: Visits No. 13 Texas Tech on Tuesday.

🏀 Thiam scores  28 to lead Cincinnati to an upset of KU

TOPEKA - The Kansas State High School Activities Association
has released Sub-State brackets for Classes 2A Saturday.

Quarterfinal games will be played at the higher seed on
Thursday, February 26 (Girls) and Friday, February 27
(Boys). Semifinals will also be played at the higher
seed on Tuesday, March 3 (Girls) and Wednesday,
March 4 (Boys). The finals will be played at the
predetermined site on Friday, March 6 (Girls) and Saturday, March 7 (Boys). Each
predetermined site will have two finals on both of those days. Start time for
the first game on Saturday, March 7 is 5 p.m.

GIRLS
 Class 2A - Smith Center
 Sub-State 1
 Thursday, 2/26 - 6:00 p.m.
 [16] Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic (1-20) at [1] Ellinwood (22-1)
 [9] Rawlins County HS (12-9) at [8] Smith Center (13-9)
 [13] Plainville (5-18) at [4] Medicine Lodge (15-5)
 [12] Sterling (9-13) at [5] Thomas More Prep-Marian (14-7)

Sub-State 2
 Thursday, 2/26 - 6:00 p.m.
 [15] Sublette (3-20) vs. [2] Hoxie (22-1) - Colby Event Center
 [10] Syracuse (13-10) at [7] Stanton County (14-9)
 [14] Ell-Saline (4-17) at [3] Oakley (19-4)
 [11] Trego Community (11-12) at [6] Wichita County (13-8)

BOYS
 Class 2A - Smith Center
Sub-State 1
 Friday, 2/27 - 6:00 p.m.
 [16] Hoxie (3-19) at [1] Sterling (22-0)
 [9] Sublette (12-11) at [8] Rawlins County (12-9) - Colby Event Center
 [13] Oakley (9-14) a [4] Ell-Saline (16-5)
 [12] Wichita County (10-12) at [5] Trego (16-6)

Sub-State 2
 Friday, 2/27 - 6:00 p.m.
 [15] Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic (7-14) at [2] Stanton County (18-5)
 [10] Syracuse (11-12) at [7] Medicine Lodge (13-8)
 [14] Smith Center (9-14) at [3] Thomas More Prep-Marian (17-5)
 [11] Ellinwood (11-12) at [6] Plainville (16-7)

Hays Post SportsTOPEKA - The Kansas State High School Activities Association
has released Sub-State brackets for Classes 2A Saturday.Quarterfinal games will be played at the higher seed on
Thursday, February 26 (Girls) and Friday, February 27
(Boys). Semifinals will also be played at the higher
seed on Tuesday, March 3 (Girls) and Wednesday,
March 4 (Boys). The finals will be played at the
predetermined site on Friday, March 6 (Girls) and Saturday, March 7 (Boys). Each
predetermined site will have two finals on both of those days. Start time for
the first game on Saturday, March 7 is 5 p.m.GIRLS
 Class 2A - Smith Center
 Sub-State 1
 Thursday, 2/26 - 6:00 p.m.
 [16] Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic (1-20) at [1] Ellinwood (22-1)
 [9] Rawlins County HS (12-9) at [8] Smith Center (13-9)
 [13] Plainville (5-18) at [4] Medicine Lodge (15-5)
 [12] Sterling (9-13) at [5] Thomas More Prep-Marian (14-7)Sub-State 2
 Thursday, 2/26 - 6:00 p.m.
 [15] Sublette (3-20) vs. [2] Hoxie (22-1) - Colby Event Center
 [10] Syracuse (13-10) at [7] Stanton County (14-9)
 [14] Ell-Saline (4-17) at [3] Oakley (19-4)
 [11] Trego Community (11-12) at [6] Wichita County (13-8)BOYS
 Class 2A - Smith Center
Sub-State 1
 Friday, 2/27 - 6:00 p.m.
 [16] Hoxie (3-19) at [1] Sterling (22-0)
 [9] Sublette (12-11) at [8] Rawlins County (12-9) - Colby Event Center
 [13] Oakley (9-14) a [4] Ell-Saline (16-5)
 [12] Wichita County (10-12) at [5] Trego (16-6)Sub-State 2
 Friday, 2/27 - 6:00 p.m.
 [15] Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic (7-14) at [2] Stanton County (18-5)
 [10] Syracuse (11-12) at [7] Medicine Lodge (13-8)
 [14] Smith Center (9-14) at [3] Thomas More Prep-Marian (17-5)
 [11] Ellinwood (11-12) at [6] Plainville (16-7)

🏀 TMP-Marian boys and girls get sub-state home games

(RV) Fort Hays State (17-9, 9-8 MIAA) at Pittsburg State (15-11, 9-7 MIAA) Saturday, February 21 • 3:30 p.m. Pittsburg, Kan. • John Lance Arena

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Fort Hays State will play its final road contest of the regular season on Saturday when it takes on Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kan. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at John Lance Arena. The Tigers enter at 17-9 overall and 9-8 in the MIAA, while the Gorillas are 15-11 overall and 9-7 in the MIAA.

The Tigers are coming off a tight 64-60 loss at Missouri Southern on Thursday evening in Joplin. The Tigers did not face a deficit in the game until about 13 minutes remaining. From that point, the game was a back-and-forth battle that saw 13 lead changes and six ties. Missouri Southern scored the final five points of the game, all at the free-throw line. Kyle Grill led the Tigers with 15 points, followed by Muhamed Kante with 13.

Pittsburg State is coming off an 86-70 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night. The Gorillas joined Missouri Southern in jumping FHSU in the MIAA standings by a half game. This will be the only meeting of the regular season between FHSU and PSU.

Fort Hays State holds a 92-78 advantage in the all-time series with Pittsburg State. They snapped a three-game losing string to the Gorillas with a 62-58 win last year in Hays, the only meeting of the 2024-25 season between the schools. The teams have split the last 10 meetings in Pittsburg, 5-5. FHSU's last win in Pittsburg was during the 2022-23 season.

The Tigers have the sixth-best scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 63.0 points per game. They rank 10th nationally in field goal percentage defense (39.6 percent) and seventh in 3-point field goal percentage defense (28.6 percent).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771641533592.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics(RV) Fort Hays State (17-9, 9-8 MIAA) at Pittsburg State (15-11, 9-7 MIAA) Saturday, February 21 • 3:30 p.m. Pittsburg, Kan. • John Lance ArenaRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State will play its final road contest of the regular season on Saturday when it takes on Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kan. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at John Lance Arena. The Tigers enter at 17-9 overall and 9-8 in the MIAA, while the Gorillas are 15-11 overall and 9-7 in the MIAA.The Tigers are coming off a tight 64-60 loss at Missouri Southern on Thursday evening in Joplin. The Tigers did not face a deficit in the game until about 13 minutes remaining. From that point, the game was a back-and-forth battle that saw 13 lead changes and six ties. Missouri Southern scored the final five points of the game, all at the free-throw line. Kyle Grill led the Tigers with 15 points, followed by Muhamed Kante with 13.Pittsburg State is coming off an 86-70 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night. The Gorillas joined Missouri Southern in jumping FHSU in the MIAA standings by a half game. This will be the only meeting of the regular season between FHSU and PSU.Fort Hays State holds a 92-78 advantage in the all-time series with Pittsburg State. They snapped a three-game losing string to the Gorillas with a 62-58 win last year in Hays, the only meeting of the 2024-25 season between the schools. The teams have split the last 10 meetings in Pittsburg, 5-5. FHSU's last win in Pittsburg was during the 2022-23 season.The Tigers have the sixth-best scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 63.0 points per game. They rank 10th nationally in field goal percentage defense (39.6 percent) and seventh in 3-point field goal percentage defense (28.6 percent).Dan Mukuna (17.0), Kyle Grill (13.3), and Jahvari Martino (11.5) all continue to average double figures in scoring for the Tigers this season. Mukuna leads in rebounding at 7.5 per game, while Lucas Hammeke heads the Tigers in assists at 3.5 per game. Muhamed Kante has provided a scoring surge of late, reaching double figures in each of the last five games.Connor Rogers leads the Gorillas in scoring at 18.9 points per game. Mason English dishes out 5.7 assists per game, while averaging 15.4 points per game.