#11 Fort Hays State (14-2, 5-2 MIAA) at &nbsp;Rogers State (7-10, 1-7 MIAA) Thursday, January 23, 2025 • 5:30 p.m. Claremore, Okla. • Claremore Expo Center

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>

The 11th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens a four-game road swing Thursday when the Tigers take on Rogers State. First tip is set for 5:30 p.m. from the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Okla.

The Tigers enter the contest 14-2 overall and 5-2 in league action after defeating Northwest Missouri State by 24 points on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Hillcats carry a record of 7-10 on the year and 1-7 in MIAA contests after losing each of their last four games.

The Tigers rank second nationally in assists (19.5 per game) and assist/turnover ratio (1.40). Brooke Loewe is third in Division II with an average of 7.3 assists per game, an average that would shatter the program record of 6.0 assists per game (Jaden Hobbs, 2020-21).

Fort Hays State is one of two schools in the MIAA with a trio of players that rank in the top 15 in scoring in the league. Olivia Hollenbeck is fourth in the conference with 16.8 points per night, while Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;ranks seventh with 15.7 points per evening and Talexa Weeter&nbsp;sits in 15th with an average of 13.4 points per contest.

After defeating the Bearcats on Saturday, Fort Hays State is now 8-1 when coming off a loss under head coach Talia Kahrs. All but one of FHSU's wins have been double-figure victories, including nine by 20 or more points, while both of the Tigers' losses have been by just one point.

DeGarmo is closing in on a pair of milestones. The graduate student needs 29 rebounds to tie Kate Lehman for the school record in rebounds (1,109 career boards). She is also just 17 points away from becoming the second player in school history to score 2,000 career points.

The Tigers last played on January 23 in 2021 when they defeated Pittsburg State on the road 85-73. That game was the last time FHSU hit better than 60 percent from the floor, with the Tigers knocking down 36-of-58 from the floor (62.1 percent). FHSU is 9-4 on this date in recorded history.

The Tigers are 8-0 all-time against the Hillcats, including a 4-0 lead in games played inside the Claremore Expo Center. Fort Hays State is 1-0 against the Hillcats under head coach Talia Kahrs, including a 1-0 mark on the road.

Rogers State enters the week 7-10 overall and 1-7 in league action. The Hillcats are 6-3 at home this season, including a 1-2 record in home conference games. RSU ranks third in the conference in scoring defense, allowing just 60.1 points per night. They rank 13th in the league in free throw shooting, knocking down just 64.9 percent from the line. Ella Hafer paces the team with 13.6 points per contest. Jaina Wiggins ranks third in the conference with 1.76 blocks per night, while Alyza Aikins is third in steals with an average of 2.06 per contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737643597793.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-01-23 084611.png" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot 2025-01-23 084611.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#11 Fort Hays State (14-2, 5-2 MIAA) at &nbsp;Rogers State (7-10, 1-7 MIAA) Thursday, January 23, 2025 • 5:30 p.m. Claremore, Okla. • Claremore Expo CenterRadio:&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>The 11th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens a four-game road swing Thursday when the Tigers take on Rogers State. First tip is set for 5:30 p.m. from the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Okla.The Tigers enter the contest 14-2 overall and 5-2 in league action after defeating Northwest Missouri State by 24 points on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Hillcats carry a record of 7-10 on the year and 1-7 in MIAA contests after losing each of their last four games.The Tigers rank second nationally in assists (19.5 per game) and assist/turnover ratio (1.40). Brooke Loewe is third in Division II with an average of 7.3 assists per game, an average that would shatter the program record of 6.0 assists per game (Jaden Hobbs, 2020-21).Fort Hays State is one of two schools in the MIAA with a trio of players that rank in the top 15 in scoring in the league. Olivia Hollenbeck is fourth in the conference with 16.8 points per night, while Katie DeGarmo&nbsp;ranks seventh with 15.7 points per evening and Talexa Weeter&nbsp;sits in 15th with an average of 13.4 points per contest.After defeating the Bearcats on Saturday, Fort Hays State is now 8-1 when coming off a loss under head coach Talia Kahrs. All but one of FHSU's wins have been double-figure victories, including nine by 20 or more points, while both of the Tigers' losses have been by just one point.DeGarmo is closing in on a pair of milestones. The graduate student needs 29 rebounds to tie Kate Lehman for the school record in rebounds (1,109 career boards). She is also just 17 points away from becoming the second player in school history to score 2,000 career points.The Tigers last played on January 23 in 2021 when they defeated Pittsburg State on the road 85-73. That game was the last time FHSU hit better than 60 percent from the floor, with the Tigers knocking down 36-of-58 from the floor (62.1 percent). FHSU is 9-4 on this date in recorded history.The Tigers are 8-0 all-time against the Hillcats, including a 4-0 lead in games played inside the Claremore Expo Center. Fort Hays State is 1-0 against the Hillcats under head coach Talia Kahrs, including a 1-0 mark on the road.Rogers State enters the week 7-10 overall and 1-7 in league action. The Hillcats are 6-3 at home this season, including a 1-2 record in home conference games. RSU ranks third in the conference in scoring defense, allowing just 60.1 points per night. They rank 13th in the league in free throw shooting, knocking down just 64.9 percent from the line. Ella Hafer paces the team with 13.6 points per contest. Jaina Wiggins ranks third in the conference with 1.76 blocks per night, while Alyza Aikins is third in steals with an average of 2.06 per contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN: #11 FHSU women open road trip at Rogers State Thursday

Thursday, January 23 KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Concordia, 2:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Rogers State, 5:05pm KAYS: TMP-Marian WMBKB vs. Norton/Phillipsburg, approx. 4:10pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB vs. Goodland, approx. 6:10pm&nbsp;

Friday, January 24
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
(if win 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, 2:40pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB (if lose 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, approx. 6:10pm KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Colby/Beloit, approx. 7:55pm

Saturday, January 25
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if lose 1/23) vs. Russell/Ellis, approx. 11:10am KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if lose 1/23) vs, Oakley/Ellis, 12:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Central Oklahoma, 1:05pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if win 1/23) vs. Russell/Ellis, approx. 2:10pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if win 1/23) vs. Oakley/Ellis, 3:40pm KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Houston, 4:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Colby Orange and Black Classic, TBD Sunday, January 26
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Buffalo (national broadcast), 5:30pm

Thursday, January 23 KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Concordia, 2:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Rogers State, 5:05pm KAYS: TMP-Marian WMBKB vs. Norton/Phillipsburg, approx. 4:10pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB vs. Goodland, approx. 6:10pm&nbsp;Friday, January 24
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
(if win 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, 2:40pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB (if lose 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, approx. 6:10pm KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Colby/Beloit, approx. 7:55pmSaturday, January 25
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if lose 1/23) vs. Russell/Ellis, approx. 11:10am KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if lose 1/23) vs, Oakley/Ellis, 12:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Central Oklahoma, 1:05pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if win 1/23) vs. Russell/Ellis, approx. 2:10pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if win 1/23) vs. Oakley/Ellis, 3:40pm KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Houston, 4:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Colby Orange and Black Classic, TBD Sunday, January 26
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Buffalo (national broadcast), 5:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

WACO, Texas (AP) — Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BaylorMBB/status/1882271226623889568">VJ Edgecombe scored 20 of his career-high 30 points</a>&nbsp;in the second half to rally Baylor to a 70-62 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.

The Bears were down a dozen when Dug McDaniel drilled a 3-pointer to put the Wildcats up 40-28 less than four minutes into the second half.

Baylor was down nine when Jalen Celestine made a pair of free throws to ignite a 19-5 run for a 55-40 lead. Edgecombe had 11 points and capped the surge with a 3-pointer. Celestine also had a pair of 3s in that stretch.

Brendan Hausen hit his third 3 of the half to pull Kansas State within 57-56 with just under five minutes to go but Celestine and Edgecombe worked the Bears' lead back to nine with a minute left.

Celestine scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half for the Bears (12-6, 4-3 Big 12 Conference). Norchad Omier grabbed 13 rebounds for Baylor.

David N'Guessan scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Kansas State (7-11, 1-6), which has lost 15-straight road games and six overall. McDaniel and Hausen both added 12.

McDaniel hit a 3-pointer, Coleman Hawkins converted a three-point play and then McDaniel added a pair of layups for a 10-0 run that helped the Wildcats take a 30-26 lead at the half.

Baylor shot 25% in the first half but 60% in the second, when the Bears made 5 of 8 3s and 15 of 19 free throws with just one turnover.

No. 23 West Virginia plays at Kansas State on Saturday when Baylor plays at Utah.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737608015745.png" alt="Kansas State guard Max Jones attempts a shot over the Baylor defense in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Max Jones attempts a shot over the Baylor defense in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas (AP) — Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BaylorMBB/status/1882271226623889568">VJ Edgecombe scored 20 of his career-high 30 points</a>&nbsp;in the second half to rally Baylor to a 70-62 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.The Bears were down a dozen when Dug McDaniel drilled a 3-pointer to put the Wildcats up 40-28 less than four minutes into the second half.Baylor was down nine when Jalen Celestine made a pair of free throws to ignite a 19-5 run for a 55-40 lead. Edgecombe had 11 points and capped the surge with a 3-pointer. Celestine also had a pair of 3s in that stretch.Brendan Hausen hit his third 3 of the half to pull Kansas State within 57-56 with just under five minutes to go but Celestine and Edgecombe worked the Bears' lead back to nine with a minute left.Celestine scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half for the Bears (12-6, 4-3 Big 12 Conference). Norchad Omier grabbed 13 rebounds for Baylor.David N'Guessan scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Kansas State (7-11, 1-6), which has lost 15-straight road games and six overall. McDaniel and Hausen both added 12.McDaniel hit a 3-pointer, Coleman Hawkins converted a three-point play and then McDaniel added a pair of layups for a 10-0 run that helped the Wildcats take a 30-26 lead at the half.Baylor shot 25% in the first half but 60% in the second, when the Bears made 5 of 8 3s and 15 of 19 free throws with just one turnover.No. 23 West Virginia plays at Kansas State on Saturday when Baylor plays at Utah.

🏀 Freshman VJ Edgecombe scores 30 to rally Baylor over K-State

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 16 points to lead five Kansas players scoring in double figures as the 12th-ranked Jayhawks won 74-61 at TCU on Wednesday night after trailing by 14 points in the first half.

AJ Storr scored 10 of his 12 points after halftime for the Jayhawks (14-4, 5-2 Big 12). His stepback jumper with 11:30 left put them ahead to stay, right after the junior guard had turnovers on consecutive possessions, and ignited a 14-2 run he ended with a jumper.

Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Shakeel Moore 11. Flory Bidunga had 10 points and 10 rebounds, giving the 6-foot-9 freshman his first career double-double, along with four blocked shots.

Noah Reynolds had 14 points to lead TCU (10-8, 3-4), which has alternated wins and losses the past eight games. Vasean Allette had 13 points and Brendan Wenzel had 11.

After Kansas was down 14 midway through the first half, Mayo's jumper tied the game at 33 just before halftime. The preseason No. 1 team now has its lowest ranking this season.

TCU missed a chance for its second win in a row over a Top 25 team after a win Sunday at then-No. 25 Baylor.

Dickinson had the ball cradled into his body with both arms on an offensive rebound when TCU forward Trazarien White also grabbed at it. They remained tangled and both got technical fouls after officials reviewed the play. TCU had possession and White had an alley-oop dunk from Reynolds to make it 48-47 with 12:44 left, its last lead.

TCU missed its last six shots and only made two free throws over the final 3:37.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737597754433.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 16 points to lead five Kansas players scoring in double figures as the 12th-ranked Jayhawks won 74-61 at TCU on Wednesday night after trailing by 14 points in the first half.AJ Storr scored 10 of his 12 points after halftime for the Jayhawks (14-4, 5-2 Big 12). His stepback jumper with 11:30 left put them ahead to stay, right after the junior guard had turnovers on consecutive possessions, and ignited a 14-2 run he ended with a jumper.Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Shakeel Moore 11. Flory Bidunga had 10 points and 10 rebounds, giving the 6-foot-9 freshman his first career double-double, along with four blocked shots.Noah Reynolds had 14 points to lead TCU (10-8, 3-4), which has alternated wins and losses the past eight games. Vasean Allette had 13 points and Brendan Wenzel had 11.<h2>Takeaways</h2>After Kansas was down 14 midway through the first half, Mayo's jumper tied the game at 33 just before halftime. The preseason No. 1 team now has its lowest ranking this season.TCU missed a chance for its second win in a row over a Top 25 team after a win Sunday at then-No. 25 Baylor.<h2>Key moment</h2>Dickinson had the ball cradled into his body with both arms on an offensive rebound when TCU forward Trazarien White also grabbed at it. They remained tangled and both got technical fouls after officials reviewed the play. TCU had possession and White had an alley-oop dunk from Reynolds to make it 48-47 with 12:44 left, its last lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>TCU missed its last six shots and only made two free throws over the final 3:37.<h2>Up next</h2>

🏀 No. 12 Kansas overcomes early deficit and beats TCU

We're joined by Fort Hays State men's basketball coach Mark Johnson, track and field coach Jason McCullough and men's wrestling coach Erik Wince.

Tiger Talk airs at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

We're joined by Fort Hays State men's basketball coach Mark Johnson, track and field coach Jason McCullough and men's wrestling coach Erik Wince.Tiger Talk airs at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (January 22, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bsmts-17c2924-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (January 22,2205)

COLBY - Colby Community College is excited to announce the inaugural head women's wrestling coach, Michael Ruiz, as the Trojans aim to begin competition in the fall of 2025.

Ruiz has coached women's wrestling at various levels, with stops at Portville High School and the University of Providence-Great Falls. Recently, he was an assistant wrestling coach at Benedictine College in Atchison last season and is the resident director on campus.

A native of Porterville, Calif., Ruiz began his collegiate wrestling career at West Hills Community College, where he excelled as a student-athlete and earned California Junior College All-American honors, placing third at the state tournament. He continued his wrestling journey at the University of Providence and became a two-time NAIA All-American, placing fourth and second in the country.

After completing his collegiate career, Ruiz turned his attention to coaching at his high school alma mater, Porterville High School. He was the assistant girl's wrestling coach alongside head coach Julian Palomino for three years. Coach Ruiz developed into a coach who wants to see success on the mat and personal development for all his student-athletes, helping develop young athletes and build a competitive program.

 Under his guidance, numerous wrestlers succeeded at the local, regional, and state levels, with many continuing their careers in college.

Ruiz's dedication to fostering athletic and personal growth in his athletes is at the core of his coaching philosophy. As he transitions to Colby Community College, he brings a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to helping student-athletes excel on and off the mat.

"I'm honored to join the Colby Community College family and lead this historic moment for the women's wrestling program," he said. "I'm looking forward to recruiting and mentoring the first group of student-athletes who will lay the foundation for this program. There's something special about being part of the beginning of a legacy."

Students interested in becoming part of the women’s wrestling program can submit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://colbytrojans.com/sports/wrest/recruitment">recruitment interest form</a>&nbsp;or contact Coach Ruiz at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:michael.ruiz@colbycc.edu">michael.ruiz@colbycc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737567182476.png" alt="Michael Ruiz is the&nbsp;inaugural head women's wrestling coach at Colby Community College. Photo courtesy CCC" />
 <figcaption>Michael Ruiz is the&nbsp;inaugural head women's wrestling coach at Colby Community College. Photo courtesy CCC</figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCOLBY - Colby Community College is excited to announce the inaugural head women's wrestling coach, Michael Ruiz, as the Trojans aim to begin competition in the fall of 2025.Ruiz has coached women's wrestling at various levels, with stops at Portville High School and the University of Providence-Great Falls. Recently, he was an assistant wrestling coach at Benedictine College in Atchison last season and is the resident director on campus.A native of Porterville, Calif., Ruiz began his collegiate wrestling career at West Hills Community College, where he excelled as a student-athlete and earned California Junior College All-American honors, placing third at the state tournament. He continued his wrestling journey at the University of Providence and became a two-time NAIA All-American, placing fourth and second in the country.After completing his collegiate career, Ruiz turned his attention to coaching at his high school alma mater, Porterville High School. He was the assistant girl's wrestling coach alongside head coach Julian Palomino for three years. Coach Ruiz developed into a coach who wants to see success on the mat and personal development for all his student-athletes, helping develop young athletes and build a competitive program. Under his guidance, numerous wrestlers succeeded at the local, regional, and state levels, with many continuing their careers in college.Ruiz's dedication to fostering athletic and personal growth in his athletes is at the core of his coaching philosophy. As he transitions to Colby Community College, he brings a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to helping student-athletes excel on and off the mat."I'm honored to join the Colby Community College family and lead this historic moment for the women's wrestling program," he said. "I'm looking forward to recruiting and mentoring the first group of student-athletes who will lay the foundation for this program. There's something special about being part of the beginning of a legacy."Students interested in becoming part of the women’s wrestling program can submit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://colbytrojans.com/sports/wrest/recruitment">recruitment interest form</a>&nbsp;or contact Coach Ruiz at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:michael.ruiz@colbycc.edu">michael.ruiz@colbycc.edu</a>.

🤼‍♀️ Ruiz named head women's wrestling coach at CCC

Wednesday, January 22
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at TCU, 4:30pm

Wednesday, January 22
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at TCU, 4:30pmThursday, January 23 KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Concordia, 2:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Rogers State, 5:05pm KAYS: TMP-Marian WMBKB vs. Norton/Phillipsburg, approx. 4:10pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB vs. Goodland, approx. 6:10pm&nbsp;Friday, January 24
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
(if win 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, 2:40pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB (if lose 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, approx. 6:10pm KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Colby/Beloit, approx. 7:55pmSaturday, January 25
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if lose 1/23) vs. Russell/Ellis, approx. 11:10am KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if lose 1/23) vs, Oakley/Ellis, 12:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Central Oklahoma, 1:05pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if win 1/23) vs. Russell/Ellis, approx. 2:10pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if win 1/23) vs. Oakley/Ellis, 3:40pm KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Houston, 4:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Colby Orange and Black Classic, TBD Sunday, January 26
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Buffalo (national broadcast), 5:30pm

The Fort Hays State men close out their 3-game homestand against Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

The Fort Hays State men close out their 3-game homestand against Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Northwest Missouri State" 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=epdqx-17c210d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. NW Missouri State

ELLIS — We are excited to announce that Ellis High School Wrestling Senior Night will be held on Thursday, January 23, during our home dual against the Trego Golden Eagles. 

Senior recognition will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the start of the dual meet. 

Ellis is proud to honor our seniors, including JT Rhoden, a dedicated four-year team member, and Chloe McClung, our team manager.

Congratulations to our seniors, and good luck on Thursday!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737474692017.jpeg" alt="Ellis High School wrestling seniors are JT Rhoden, son of Kristy Rhoden and Jeff Rhoden, and Chloe McClung, daughter of Windy Still and Ryan McClung. Photo courtesy Ellis High School" />
 <figcaption>Ellis High School wrestling seniors are JT Rhoden, son of Kristy Rhoden and Jeff Rhoden, and Chloe McClung, daughter of Windy Still and Ryan McClung. Photo courtesy Ellis High School</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS — We are excited to announce that Ellis High School Wrestling Senior Night will be held on Thursday, January 23, during our home dual against the Trego Golden Eagles. Senior recognition will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the start of the dual meet. Ellis is proud to honor our seniors, including JT Rhoden, a dedicated four-year team member, and Chloe McClung, our team manager.Congratulations to our seniors, and good luck on Thursday!

🤼 Ellis High School senior wrestlers to be recognized Thursday 

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL Mid-Continent League Tournament Hoxie 65, Russell 35 Oakley 45, TMP-Marian 22 Phillipsburg 33, Norton 22 Plainville 45, Hill City 27 Smith Center 41, Ellis 38&nbsp; Hoisington Winter Jam Ellinwood 41, Otis-Bison 28 Ellsworth 35, Hoisington 29 Centre Classic Goessel 50, Rural Vista 27 Wakefield 49, Centre 20 Eli J. Walter Invitational Berean Academy 29, Hutchinson Central Christian 19 Republic County 45, Ell-Saline 40 Wichita Classical 51, Elyria Christian 31 Hillsboro Classic Hesston 41, Remington 33 Moundridge 46, Holcomb 33 Iola War on 54 Humboldt 70, Yates Center 9 Ken Holt Memorial Classic Jayhawk Linn 47, Erie 27 Northwest League Tournament Wallace County 64, St Francis 33 Sterling Invitational Scott City 61, Hutchinson Trinity 19

Others Andale 54, Augusta 45 Arkansas City 43, Newton 38 Bishop Miege 75, Lawrence 33 Bluestem 59, Caldwell 19 Cheylin 39, Hi-Plains, Colo. 36 De Soto 66, KC Turner 12 Derby 51, Hutchinson 34 Haven 66, Liberal 31 Inman 70, Macksville 26 Lyons 45, Dawson, Colo. 16 Pike Valley 54, Lakeside 25 Reno County 43, Fairfield 20 South Gray 49, Hodgeman County 36 Topeka 53, Highland Park 45 Weskan 60, Bethune, Colo. 51 Wichita Heights 88, Wichita North 3 Wichita South 59, Wichita Northwest 20&nbsp;&nbsp;

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL Hoisington Winter Jam Ellinwood 39, Ellsworth 38 Hoisington 52, La Crosse 19&nbsp; Northern Plains League Tournament Stockton 53, Osborne 24 Northwest League Tournament Quinter 61, Ness City 56&nbsp;&nbsp; Adolph Rupp Classic Haven 66, Liberal 31 Winfield 70, Halstead 63 Baldwin Invitational Baldwin 50, Bishop Seabury 37 Wellsville 65, Augusta 51 Burlington Invitational Burlington 33, Girard 30 Ottawa 71, Independence 45 Silver Lake 88, Labette County 65 Centre Classic Douglass 63, Goessel 59 Marion 61, Herington 29 Eli J. Walter Invitational Ell-Saline 59, Republic County 42 Flinthills Shootout Council Grove 45, Lyndon 20 Osage City 49, Chase County 41 Wabaunsee 53, West Franklin 50 Hillsboro Classic Hesston 64, Eureka 21 Hillsboro 61, Remington 28 Holcomb 59, Clay Center 53 Moundridge 56, Riley County 26 Iola War on 54 Humboldt 70, St Paul 21 Ken Holt Memorial Classic Erie 50, Jayhawk Linn 37 Nemaha Central Classic Rock Creek 61, Marysville 40 St Marys 63, Holton 37 Spring Hill Invitational Gardner-Edgerton 64, Goddard-Eisenhower 52 Mill Valley 91, KC Harmon 33 Olathe South 76, KC Sumner 32 Spring Hill 78, BV Southwest 66 St. John Classic Little River 45, Larned 43 Sterling Invitational Hugoton 60, Southeast of Saline 52 Lyons 66, Kingman 28 Scott City 79, Hutchinson Trinity 27 Tony Dubray Classic Galena 82, Sheldon, Mo. 26 Valley Falls Invitational Perry-Lecompton 58, Valley Falls 45

Blue Springs South, Mo. 57, St. Thomas Aquinas 54 Reno County 62, Fairfield 32 Weskan 64, Bethune, Colo. 28 Wichita Sunrise 70, Flint Hills Christian 14&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Associated PressGIRLS PREP BASKETBALL Mid-Continent League Tournament Hoxie 65, Russell 35 Oakley 45, TMP-Marian 22 Phillipsburg 33, Norton 22 Plainville 45, Hill City 27 Smith Center 41, Ellis 38&nbsp; Hoisington Winter Jam Ellinwood 41, Otis-Bison 28 Ellsworth 35, Hoisington 29 Centre Classic Goessel 50, Rural Vista 27 Wakefield 49, Centre 20 Eli J. Walter Invitational Berean Academy 29, Hutchinson Central Christian 19 Republic County 45, Ell-Saline 40 Wichita Classical 51, Elyria Christian 31 Hillsboro Classic Hesston 41, Remington 33 Moundridge 46, Holcomb 33 Iola War on 54 Humboldt 70, Yates Center 9 Ken Holt Memorial Classic Jayhawk Linn 47, Erie 27 Northwest League Tournament Wallace County 64, St Francis 33 Sterling Invitational Scott City 61, Hutchinson Trinity 19Others Andale 54, Augusta 45 Arkansas City 43, Newton 38 Bishop Miege 75, Lawrence 33 Bluestem 59, Caldwell 19 Cheylin 39, Hi-Plains, Colo. 36 De Soto 66, KC Turner 12 Derby 51, Hutchinson 34 Haven 66, Liberal 31 Inman 70, Macksville 26 Lyons 45, Dawson, Colo. 16 Pike Valley 54, Lakeside 25 Reno County 43, Fairfield 20 South Gray 49, Hodgeman County 36 Topeka 53, Highland Park 45 Weskan 60, Bethune, Colo. 51 Wichita Heights 88, Wichita North 3 Wichita South 59, Wichita Northwest 20&nbsp;&nbsp;BOYS PREP BASKETBALL Hoisington Winter Jam Ellinwood 39, Ellsworth 38 Hoisington 52, La Crosse 19&nbsp; Northern Plains League Tournament Stockton 53, Osborne 24 Northwest League Tournament Quinter 61, Ness City 56&nbsp;&nbsp; Adolph Rupp Classic Haven 66, Liberal 31 Winfield 70, Halstead 63 Baldwin Invitational Baldwin 50, Bishop Seabury 37 Wellsville 65, Augusta 51 Burlington Invitational Burlington 33, Girard 30 Ottawa 71, Independence 45 Silver Lake 88, Labette County 65 Centre Classic Douglass 63, Goessel 59 Marion 61, Herington 29 Eli J. Walter Invitational Ell-Saline 59, Republic County 42 Flinthills Shootout Council Grove 45, Lyndon 20 Osage City 49, Chase County 41 Wabaunsee 53, West Franklin 50 Hillsboro Classic Hesston 64, Eureka 21 Hillsboro 61, Remington 28 Holcomb 59, Clay Center 53 Moundridge 56, Riley County 26 Iola War on 54 Humboldt 70, St Paul 21 Ken Holt Memorial Classic Erie 50, Jayhawk Linn 37 Nemaha Central Classic Rock Creek 61, Marysville 40 St Marys 63, Holton 37 Spring Hill Invitational Gardner-Edgerton 64, Goddard-Eisenhower 52 Mill Valley 91, KC Harmon 33 Olathe South 76, KC Sumner 32 Spring Hill 78, BV Southwest 66 St. John Classic Little River 45, Larned 43 Sterling Invitational Hugoton 60, Southeast of Saline 52 Lyons 66, Kingman 28 Scott City 79, Hutchinson Trinity 27 Tony Dubray Classic Galena 82, Sheldon, Mo. 26 Valley Falls Invitational Perry-Lecompton 58, Valley Falls 45Blue Springs South, Mo. 57, St. Thomas Aquinas 54 Reno County 62, Fairfield 32 Weskan 64, Bethune, Colo. 28 Wichita Sunrise 70, Flint Hills Christian 14&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tuesday's high school scores

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

OAKLEY – The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls' basketball team
could not overcome a slow start and was held to its lowest-scoring output of
the season Tuesday. They fell 45-22 to the Oakley Plainsmen in the semifinals
of the Mid-Continent League tournament in Oakley.

TMP’s loss to Oakley ended a 12-game win streak against the
Plainsmen.

The Monarchs (4-5) got an early 5-2 lead, scoring on a
three-point play from Gracyn Schippers and a fastbreak layup by Raegan Allen.

After taking the lead, the Monarchs were held scoreless for
the next eight minutes while Oakley finished the first quarter and opened the
second quarter on a 13-0 run, building a double-digit that they would hold on
to for much of the game.

TMP trailed by as many as 11 in the first half while shooting
just 18 percent from the floor. They were down 23-15 at the break.

Oakley (7-3) opened the second half on a 9-0 run and led
32-15 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter.

The Monarchs never threatened in the fourth quarter in a
45-22 loss.

Gracyn Schippers led TMP with nine points.

Alexa Weiser scored a game-high 13 points for Oakley.

On Friday, Oakley will play Phillipsburg in the second
girl's semifinals in WaKeeney. 

TMP will take on Norton in the consolation semifinals on Thursday
afternoon in Hays. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostOAKLEY – The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls' basketball team
could not overcome a slow start and was held to its lowest-scoring output of
the season Tuesday. They fell 45-22 to the Oakley Plainsmen in the semifinals
of the Mid-Continent League tournament in Oakley.<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/2014934079&color=%23294b71&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/john-linn-postgame-interview-vs-oakley-jan-21st-25" title="John Linn Postgame Interview vs Oakley (Jan 21st 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">John Linn Postgame Interview vs Oakley (Jan 21st 25)</a></div></div>TMP’s loss to Oakley ended a 12-game win streak against the
Plainsmen.The Monarchs (4-5) got an early 5-2 lead, scoring on a
three-point play from Gracyn Schippers and a fastbreak layup by Raegan Allen.After taking the lead, the Monarchs were held scoreless for
the next eight minutes while Oakley finished the first quarter and opened the
second quarter on a 13-0 run, building a double-digit that they would hold on
to for much of the game.TMP trailed by as many as 11 in the first half while shooting
just 18 percent from the floor. They were down 23-15 at the break.Oakley (7-3) opened the second half on a 9-0 run and led
32-15 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter.The Monarchs never threatened in the fourth quarter in a
45-22 loss.<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/2014931747&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-wbkb-highlights-vs-oakley-jan-21st-25" title="TMP WBKB Highlights Vs Oakley (Jan 21st 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB Highlights Vs Oakley (Jan 21st 25)</a></div></div>Gracyn Schippers led TMP with nine points.Alexa Weiser scored a game-high 13 points for Oakley.On Friday, Oakley will play Phillipsburg in the second
girl's semifinals in WaKeeney. TMP will take on Norton in the consolation semifinals on Thursday
afternoon in Hays.

🏀 TMP-Marian girls not able overcome slow start in loss to Oakley

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team slid to 11th in the latest WBCA Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association. Fort Hays State fell out of the D2CSC Media Poll, moving into the top spot of the receiving votes category.

Fort Hays State now stands at 14-2 overall after splitting a pair of home games last week. All but one of FHSU's wins have been double-figure victories, including nine by 20 or more points, while both of the Tigers' losses have been by just one point.

This is the fourth time the Tigers have been ranked 11th in the coaches poll during the team's DII era, and the first since February 2, 2021. That poll was the first release of the coaches poll during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.

The Tigers are 7-0 when ranked 11th in the coaches poll and 171-45 all-time when listed in the poll.&nbsp;Fort Hays State has now been listed in 113 different releases of the WBCA DII Top 25.Fort Hays State topping the receiving votes category in the latest media poll is the first time the Tigers have not been listed in the top 25 in either poll this season.

Only one other MIAA program is listed in either poll this week, with Pittsburg State moving up to No. 8 in each release.

Fort Hays State will open a four-game road swing Thursday when the Tigers take on Rogers State in Claremore, Okla. beginning at 5:30 p.m.

WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - January 21, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (22) - 17-1 - 574 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 17-1 - 548 - 2 3 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (1) - 18-0 - 526 - 3 4 - Bentley - 17-1 - 507 - 4 5 - Seton Hill - 16-1 - 447 - 9 6 - Minnesota State Mankato - 17-2 - 440 - 10 7 - North Georgia - 15-1 - 411 - 5 8 - Pittsburg State - 16-2 - 387 - 12 9 - Texas-Tyler - 15-2 - 375 - 13 10 - Embry-Riddle - 15-1 - 336 - 15 11 - Fort Hays State - 14-2 - 306 - 7 12 - Ashland - 16-3 - 297 - 14 13 - Azusa Pacific - 15-2 - 294 - 8 14 - Coker - 15-1 - 281 - 16 t15 - Gannon - 16-3 - 252 - 16 t15 - Cal Poly Pomona - 14-2 - 205 - 19 17 - Nova Southeastern - 15-2 - 192 - 20 18 - Lubbock Christian - 16-3 - 183 - 18 19 - Union, TN - 15-3 - 155 - 11 20 - Montana State Billings - 16-4 - 135 - 6 21 - Belmont Abbey - 14-2 - 121 - 21 t22 - Concordia-St. Paul - 16-2 - 117 - 21 t22 - Southwest Minnesota State - 16-2 - 110 - 23 24 - Tampa - 15-4 - 61 - 24 25 - Carson-Newman - 14-4 - 50 - 25

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Alaska Anchorage (16-2) 49; Fairmont State (13-3) 17; Miles (10-3) 12; Chowan (9-2) 9; Harding (13-3) 9; Lewis (13-2) 8; UNC Pembroke (14-4) 7; Indiana (Pa.) (13-3) 5; Malone (14-2) 2.

D2CSC Media Poll - January 21, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (13) - 17-1 - 373 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 17-1 - 354 - 2 3 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (2) - 18-0 - 344 - 3 4 - Bentley - 17-1 - 321 - 4 5 - Seton Hill - 16-1 - 312 - 5 6 - Minnesota State-Mankato - 17-2 - 288 - 8 7 - Embry-Riddle - 15-1 - 285 - 7 T8 - Texas Tyler - 15-2 - 254 - 10 T8 - Pittsburg State - 16-2 - 254 - 11 10 - North Georgia - 15-1 - 251 - 6 11 - Ashland - 16-3 - 223 - 12 12 - Gannon - 16-3 - 187 - 17 13 - Nova Southeastern - 15-2 - 179 - 18 14 - Lubbock Christian - 16-3 - 173 - 16 15 - Coker - 15-1 - 158 - T19 16 - Cal Poly- Pomona - 14-2 - 152 - RV 17 - Concordia-St. Paul - 16-2 - 138 - 21 18 - Holy Family - 14-3 - 117 - T19 19 - Azusa Pacific - 15-1 - 116 - 14 20 - Union - 15-3 - 96 - 15 21 - Belmont Abbey - 14-2 - 76 - 25 22 - Southwest Minnesota St. - 16-2 - 62 - RV 23 - Malone - 14-2 - 33 - NR 24 - Alaska-Anchorage - 16-2 - 32 - RV 25 - Southern Connecticut State - 14-3 - 31 - 23

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Fort Hays State (22); Fairmont State (20); Tampa (11); Carson-Newman (4); Black Hills State (4); Indiana (Pa.) (3); Alabama-Huntsville (1); Montana-State Billings (1)Dropped Out:&nbsp;(9) Montana State-Billings;&nbsp;(13) Fort Hays State; (22) Indiana (Pa.); (24) Lewis&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737495305529.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsThe Fort Hays State women's basketball team slid to 11th in the latest WBCA Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association. Fort Hays State fell out of the D2CSC Media Poll, moving into the top spot of the receiving votes category.Fort Hays State now stands at 14-2 overall after splitting a pair of home games last week. All but one of FHSU's wins have been double-figure victories, including nine by 20 or more points, while both of the Tigers' losses have been by just one point.This is the fourth time the Tigers have been ranked 11th in the coaches poll during the team's DII era, and the first since February 2, 2021. That poll was the first release of the coaches poll during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.The Tigers are 7-0 when ranked 11th in the coaches poll and 171-45 all-time when listed in the poll.&nbsp;Fort Hays State has now been listed in 113 different releases of the WBCA DII Top 25.Fort Hays State topping the receiving votes category in the latest media poll is the first time the Tigers have not been listed in the top 25 in either poll this season.Only one other MIAA program is listed in either poll this week, with Pittsburg State moving up to No. 8 in each release.Fort Hays State will open a four-game road swing Thursday when the Tigers take on Rogers State in Claremore, Okla. beginning at 5:30 p.m.WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - January 21, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (22) - 17-1 - 574 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 17-1 - 548 - 2 3 - Cal State Dominguez Hills (1) - 18-0 - 526 - 3 4 - Bentley - 17-1 - 507 - 4 5 - Seton Hill - 16-1 - 447 - 9 6 - Minnesota State Mankato - 17-2 - 440 - 10 7 - North Georgia - 15-1 - 411 - 5 8 - Pittsburg State - 16-2 - 387 - 12 9 - Texas-Tyler - 15-2 - 375 - 13 10 - Embry-Riddle - 15-1 - 336 - 15 11 - Fort Hays State - 14-2 - 306 - 7 12 - Ashland - 16-3 - 297 - 14 13 - Azusa Pacific - 15-2 - 294 - 8 14 - Coker - 15-1 - 281 - 16 t15 - Gannon - 16-3 - 252 - 16 t15 - Cal Poly Pomona - 14-2 - 205 - 19 17 - Nova Southeastern - 15-2 - 192 - 20 18 - Lubbock Christian - 16-3 - 183 - 18 19 - Union, TN - 15-3 - 155 - 11 20 - Montana State Billings - 16-4 - 135 - 6 21 - Belmont Abbey - 14-2 - 121 - 21 t22 - Concordia-St. Paul - 16-2 - 117 - 21 t22 - Southwest Minnesota State - 16-2 - 110 - 23 24 - Tampa - 15-4 - 61 - 24 25 - Carson-Newman - 14-4 - 50 - 25Dropped Out:&nbsp;NoneReceiving Votes:&nbsp;Alaska Anchorage (16-2) 49; Fairmont State (13-3) 17; Miles (10-3) 12; Chowan (9-2) 9; Harding (13-3) 9; Lewis (13-2) 8; UNC Pembroke (14-4) 7; Indiana (Pa.) (13-3) 5; Malone (14-2) 2.D2CSC Media Poll - January 21, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (13) - 17-1 - 373 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 17-1 - 354 - 2 3 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (2) - 18-0 - 344 - 3 4 - Bentley - 17-1 - 321 - 4 5 - Seton Hill - 16-1 - 312 - 5 6 - Minnesota State-Mankato - 17-2 - 288 - 8 7 - Embry-Riddle - 15-1 - 285 - 7 T8 - Texas Tyler - 15-2 - 254 - 10 T8 - Pittsburg State - 16-2 - 254 - 11 10 - North Georgia - 15-1 - 251 - 6 11 - Ashland - 16-3 - 223 - 12 12 - Gannon - 16-3 - 187 - 17 13 - Nova Southeastern - 15-2 - 179 - 18 14 - Lubbock Christian - 16-3 - 173 - 16 15 - Coker - 15-1 - 158 - T19 16 - Cal Poly- Pomona - 14-2 - 152 - RV 17 - Concordia-St. Paul - 16-2 - 138 - 21 18 - Holy Family - 14-3 - 117 - T19 19 - Azusa Pacific - 15-1 - 116 - 14 20 - Union - 15-3 - 96 - 15 21 - Belmont Abbey - 14-2 - 76 - 25 22 - Southwest Minnesota St. - 16-2 - 62 - RV 23 - Malone - 14-2 - 33 - NR 24 - Alaska-Anchorage - 16-2 - 32 - RV 25 - Southern Connecticut State - 14-3 - 31 - 23Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Fort Hays State (22); Fairmont State (20); Tampa (11); Carson-Newman (4); Black Hills State (4); Indiana (Pa.) (3); Alabama-Huntsville (1); Montana-State Billings (1)Dropped Out:&nbsp;(9) Montana State-Billings;&nbsp;(13) Fort Hays State; (22) Indiana (Pa.); (24) Lewis&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger women slide to No. 11 in latest WBCA rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball remains among the receiving votes section of the NABC Top 25 Poll. The latest edition released on Tuesday has Fort Hays State with 21 voting points, the fourth-most among teams receiving votes outside of the Top 25. This is the fourth-straight week the Tigers received votes in the poll.

Washburn remained the No. 1 team in the nation in both the NABC and D2CSC Top 25 Polls for a second-straight week. The Ichabods are off to a 17-0 start to the season, one of only two undefeated teams remaining in NCAA Division II. Fort Hays State is the only other MIAA program referenced in the latest NABC poll. The Tigers are the fifth-highest listed team among schools in the Central Region, with four currently in the Top 25 and two joining FHSU in the receiving votes section.

Two of Fort Hays State's four losses this year have been to current NABC Top 25 ranked teams. The Tigers fell to Washburn back on December 7 and to Southwest Minnesota State (currently No. 15) in the season opener back on November 8. Washburn was ranked No. 3 when it met FHSU back in December and Southwest Minnesota State began the year receiving votes, while FHSU was ranked No. 16 in the preseason poll. FHSU also has a win over a current NABC Top 25 team in MSU Denver, which holds the No. 13 ranking this week.

Fort Hays State goes on the road this week for a pair of challenging games in MIAA play. The Tigers play at Rogers State (14-6) on Thursday night (Jan. 23) and then Central Oklahoma (9-8) on Saturday (Jan. 25). It will be the only meeting of the regular season with both schools.

NABC Top 25 Poll for January 21, 2025. Rank - School - Record - Points - Prev. 1. Washburn, Kan. - 17-0 - 399 - 1 2. Daemen, N.Y. - 16-0 - 383 - 2 3. Nova Southeastern, Fla. - 16-1 - 369 - 3 4. Alabama Huntsville - 16-1 - 352 - 5 5. Findlay, Ohio - 16-1331 - 9 6. Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. - 13-2 - 306 - 11 7. Colorado School of Mines - 14-2 - 287 - 12 8. Ferris State, Mich. - 17-2 - 271 - 4 9. Missouri S&amp;T - 13-1 - 266 - 15 10. Fairmont State, W.Va. - 14-2 - 248 - 13 11. Valdosta State, Ga. - 15-2 - 220 - 18 12. Dallas Baptist, Texas - 17-3 - 209 - 16 13. MSU Denver, Colo. - 14-2 - 204 - 19 14. Lake Superior State, Mich. - 15-3 - 18 - 16 15. Southwest Minnesota State - 15-3 - 140 - 22 16. West Liberty, W.Va. - 13-3 - 120 - 10 17. Chico State, Calif. - 14-2 - 115 - NR 18. Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C. - 14-3 - 112 - 24 19. Columbus State, Ga. - 14-2 - 111 - 25 20. Florida Southern - 15-4 - 97 - 8 21. Pace, N.Y. - 15-3 - 93 - 7 22. Minot State, N.D. - 18-3 - 70 - 14 23. Gannon, Pa. - 15-3 - 62 - 21 24. Hillsdale, Mich. - 15-3 - 56 - 20 25. Southern Nazarene, Okla. - 12-2 - 29 - NR

Receiving Votes: Cal State Dominguez Hills 24, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 23, Point Loma (Calif.) 23, Adelphi (N.Y.) 21,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 21, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) 13, Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) 10, Minnesota Duluth 10, Saint Martin's (Wash.) 9, St. Mary's (Texas) 7, Midwestern State (Texas) 6, USC Beaufort (S.C.) 2, West Chester (Pa.) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737546601043.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Kyle Grill (1) goes up for a layup against NW Missouri State on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kyle Grill (1) goes up for a layup against NW Missouri State on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball remains among the receiving votes section of the NABC Top 25 Poll. The latest edition released on Tuesday has Fort Hays State with 21 voting points, the fourth-most among teams receiving votes outside of the Top 25. This is the fourth-straight week the Tigers received votes in the poll.Washburn remained the No. 1 team in the nation in both the NABC and D2CSC Top 25 Polls for a second-straight week. The Ichabods are off to a 17-0 start to the season, one of only two undefeated teams remaining in NCAA Division II. Fort Hays State is the only other MIAA program referenced in the latest NABC poll. The Tigers are the fifth-highest listed team among schools in the Central Region, with four currently in the Top 25 and two joining FHSU in the receiving votes section.Two of Fort Hays State's four losses this year have been to current NABC Top 25 ranked teams. The Tigers fell to Washburn back on December 7 and to Southwest Minnesota State (currently No. 15) in the season opener back on November 8. Washburn was ranked No. 3 when it met FHSU back in December and Southwest Minnesota State began the year receiving votes, while FHSU was ranked No. 16 in the preseason poll. FHSU also has a win over a current NABC Top 25 team in MSU Denver, which holds the No. 13 ranking this week.Fort Hays State goes on the road this week for a pair of challenging games in MIAA play. The Tigers play at Rogers State (14-6) on Thursday night (Jan. 23) and then Central Oklahoma (9-8) on Saturday (Jan. 25). It will be the only meeting of the regular season with both schools.NABC Top 25 Poll for January 21, 2025. Rank - School - Record - Points - Prev. 1. Washburn, Kan. - 17-0 - 399 - 1 2. Daemen, N.Y. - 16-0 - 383 - 2 3. Nova Southeastern, Fla. - 16-1 - 369 - 3 4. Alabama Huntsville - 16-1 - 352 - 5 5. Findlay, Ohio - 16-1331 - 9 6. Lincoln Memorial, Tenn. - 13-2 - 306 - 11 7. Colorado School of Mines - 14-2 - 287 - 12 8. Ferris State, Mich. - 17-2 - 271 - 4 9. Missouri S&amp;T - 13-1 - 266 - 15 10. Fairmont State, W.Va. - 14-2 - 248 - 13 11. Valdosta State, Ga. - 15-2 - 220 - 18 12. Dallas Baptist, Texas - 17-3 - 209 - 16 13. MSU Denver, Colo. - 14-2 - 204 - 19 14. Lake Superior State, Mich. - 15-3 - 18 - 16 15. Southwest Minnesota State - 15-3 - 140 - 22 16. West Liberty, W.Va. - 13-3 - 120 - 10 17. Chico State, Calif. - 14-2 - 115 - NR 18. Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C. - 14-3 - 112 - 24 19. Columbus State, Ga. - 14-2 - 111 - 25 20. Florida Southern - 15-4 - 97 - 8 21. Pace, N.Y. - 15-3 - 93 - 7 22. Minot State, N.D. - 18-3 - 70 - 14 23. Gannon, Pa. - 15-3 - 62 - 21 24. Hillsdale, Mich. - 15-3 - 56 - 20 25. Southern Nazarene, Okla. - 12-2 - 29 - NRReceiving Votes: Cal State Dominguez Hills 24, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 23, Point Loma (Calif.) 23, Adelphi (N.Y.) 21,&nbsp;Fort Hays State (Kan.) 21, Palm Beach Atlantic (Fla.) 13, Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) 10, Minnesota Duluth 10, Saint Martin's (Wash.) 9, St. Mary's (Texas) 7, Midwestern State (Texas) 6, USC Beaufort (S.C.) 2, West Chester (Pa.) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tigers still receiving votes in latest NABC rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State track and field senior Jacob Clark&nbsp;has earned his second MIAA Men's Field Athlete of the Week honor of the season, announced Tuesday by the league office.

Clark picked up the honor after placing first at the Washburn Rust Buster last Friday (Jan. 17) in Topeka, Kan. with a top clearance of 16-6.75 (5.05m). His top mark of the day was seven inches higher than his nearest competition.

That performance would be the best mark in the MIAA this season and would rank seventh across all Division II, however his top clearance of the season of 17-2.75 (5.25) is tied for first in the country.

The Nottingham, England native is undefeated in competition this season, placing first at all three meets so far in 2024-25.Clark is the first Tiger to earn multiple MIAA Athlete of the Week honors in a single season since fellow pole vaulter Ryan Stanley did so in consecutive weeks during the 2021-22 indoor season.

Clark and the rest of the Tigers will return to action next Friday (Jan. 24) when they head to Pittsburg, Kan. for the Rumble in the Jungle Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737494699559.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State track and field senior Jacob Clark&nbsp;has earned his second MIAA Men's Field Athlete of the Week honor of the season, announced Tuesday by the league office.Clark picked up the honor after placing first at the Washburn Rust Buster last Friday (Jan. 17) in Topeka, Kan. with a top clearance of 16-6.75 (5.05m). His top mark of the day was seven inches higher than his nearest competition.That performance would be the best mark in the MIAA this season and would rank seventh across all Division II, however his top clearance of the season of 17-2.75 (5.25) is tied for first in the country.The Nottingham, England native is undefeated in competition this season, placing first at all three meets so far in 2024-25.Clark is the first Tiger to earn multiple MIAA Athlete of the Week honors in a single season since fellow pole vaulter Ryan Stanley did so in consecutive weeks during the 2021-22 indoor season.Clark and the rest of the Tigers will return to action next Friday (Jan. 24) when they head to Pittsburg, Kan. for the Rumble in the Jungle Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏃‍♂️ FHSU's Clark picks up another MIAA Field Athlete of the Week honor

🎥🏀 Redeem Designs Plays Of The Week HHS vs Wichita Independent

The Hays High girls’ wrestling team remain third in the
latest Kanas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings released Tuesday. Shawnee
Heights remains atop the 5A poll with Basehor-Linwood second. Great Bend moves
up three spots to No. 10.

The Norton girls are ranked first in the 321A team rankings
with Oakley second, Russell third, Plainville fourth and Stockton fifth.

The Hoxie boys are first, Norton second, Phillipsburg third,
Russell fifth and Hill City ninth in the 321A boys team rankings.

The Hays girls’ have six wrestlers ranked this week. Senior
Tionna Napue moves down a spot to No. 2 at 135. Freshman Eleanor Stoppel
remains second at 190. Sophomore Timber Lovewell holds on to the No. 3 spot at
145, Junior Lexie Barnett remains third at 155 and sophomore Kenlee Vehige
remains fourth at 120. Sophomore Emersyn Copper is down a spot to No. 6 at 100.

Junior Johnny Rigler remains fourth at 190 for the Hays High
boys.

The Plainville girls has five ranked in 321A. Sophomore Caydence
Carter is ranked No. 1 at 190, Lillian Garcia is second at 145, Senior Zoe
Brown is second at 155, Ella Normandin third at 140 and Kaeleigh Klein is third
at 100.

Koa Mader of Ellis is third at 110, Trego’s Kallan Rothchild
third at 115 and teammate Annika Dietz fourth at 130.

Quinter’s Tate Blackwill is first at 113.

<a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%207.pdf">5A Girls Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%207.pdf">321A Girls Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%207.pdf">5A Boys Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%207.pdf">321 Boys Rankings</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays High girls’ wrestling team remain third in the
latest Kanas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings released Tuesday. Shawnee
Heights remains atop the 5A poll with Basehor-Linwood second. Great Bend moves
up three spots to No. 10.The Norton girls are ranked first in the 321A team rankings
with Oakley second, Russell third, Plainville fourth and Stockton fifth.The Hoxie boys are first, Norton second, Phillipsburg third,
Russell fifth and Hill City ninth in the 321A boys team rankings.The Hays girls’ have six wrestlers ranked this week. Senior
Tionna Napue moves down a spot to No. 2 at 135. Freshman Eleanor Stoppel
remains second at 190. Sophomore Timber Lovewell holds on to the No. 3 spot at
145, Junior Lexie Barnett remains third at 155 and sophomore Kenlee Vehige
remains fourth at 120. Sophomore Emersyn Copper is down a spot to No. 6 at 100.Junior Johnny Rigler remains fourth at 190 for the Hays High
boys.The Plainville girls has five ranked in 321A. Sophomore Caydence
Carter is ranked No. 1 at 190, Lillian Garcia is second at 145, Senior Zoe
Brown is second at 155, Ella Normandin third at 140 and Kaeleigh Klein is third
at 100.Koa Mader of Ellis is third at 110, Trego’s Kallan Rothchild
third at 115 and teammate Annika Dietz fourth at 130.Quinter’s Tate Blackwill is first at 113.<a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%207.pdf">5A Girls Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%207.pdf">321A Girls Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%207.pdf">5A Boys Rankings</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%207.pdf">321 Boys Rankings</a>

🤼‍♀️ Several HHS and area wrestlers ranked in latest KBCA rankings

Despite beating a ranked 6A team and still being unbeaten,
the Hays High girls’ basketball team drops two spots to No. 8 in the latest 5A rankings
from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released Monday afternoon. The
Indians are one of two undefeated teams in 5A West (Topeka Seaman), and one of
three overall in Class 5A.

The Colby girls move up one spot to No. 5 in Class 3A while
Hoxie drops a spot to 6th in Class 2A. Quinter moves into the 1A Division 1
poll at No. 9.

The Great Bend boys are up three to No. 6 in Class 5A,
Logan-Palco remains 3rd and Otis-Bison drops a spot to 10th in 1A Division 2.

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

5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman 2. Overland Park&nbsp; - St. Thomas Aquinas 3. Andover 4. Kansas City Piper 5. Maize South 6. Lenexa - St. James Academy 7. De Soto 8. Hays 9. Andover Central 10. Arkansas City

4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Roeland Park. -&nbsp; Bishop Miege 3. Topeka Hayden 4. Eudora 5. Clay Center 6. Labette County 7. Fort Scott 8. Baldwin 9. Buhler 10. St. George -&nbsp; Rock Creek

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

2A Girls 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 2. Eureka 3. Moundridge 4. Leoti - Wichita County 5. Inman 6. Hoxie 7. Highland - Doniphan West 8. Elbing - Berean Academy 9. Ellinwood 10. Bennington

1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Montezuma&nbsp; -&nbsp; South Gray 4. Clyde&nbsp; - Clifton Clyde 5. Claflin - Central Plains 6. Madison - Hamilton 7. Troy 8. Atwood - Rawlins County 9. Quinter 10. Olpe

1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 4. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 5.&nbsp; South Haven 6. Marias des Cygnes Valley 7. St. Paul 8. Hartford 9. Bucklin 10. Cheylin

6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest 2. Wichita Heights 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Junction City 6. Wichita Northwest 7. Blue Valley North 8. Mill Valley 9. Olathe North 10. Blue Valley Northwest

5A Boys 1. Topeka - Highland Park 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Tecumseh – Shawnee Heights 5. Topeka Seaman 6. Great Bend 7. Topeka West 8. Andover 9. Andover Central 10. KC - Washington

4A Boys 1. Ottawa 2. McPherson 3. St. George - Rock Creek 4. Baldwin 5. Atchison 6. Andale 7. Pratt 8. Abilene 9. Clay Center 10. Concordia

3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Goodland 3. Cheney 4. Hesston 5. Haven 6. Nemaha Central 7. Lakin 8. St. Mary's 9. Holcomb 10. Scott Community

2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Salina - Sacred Heart 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Sterling 5. Whitewater&nbsp; -&nbsp; Remington 6. Elbing - Berean Academy 7. Atchison - Maur Hill Mount Academy 8. Rossville 9. Valley Falls 10.&nbsp; Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan

1A Div. 1 Boys 1. Coldwater - South Central 2. Lawrence - Seabury Academy 3. Olpe 4. Claflin - Central Plains 5. Oxford 6. Macksville 7. Burlingame 8. Montezuma - South Gray 9. Burden - Central 10. Spearville

1A&nbsp; Div. 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan - Palco 4. McPherson - Elyria Christian 5. Hanover 6. Weskan 7. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 8. Dighton 9. St. John/Tipton 10. Otis/Bison

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostDespite beating a ranked 6A team and still being unbeaten,
the Hays High girls’ basketball team drops two spots to No. 8 in the latest 5A rankings
from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released Monday afternoon. The
Indians are one of two undefeated teams in 5A West (Topeka Seaman), and one of
three overall in Class 5A.The Colby girls move up one spot to No. 5 in Class 3A while
Hoxie drops a spot to 6th in Class 2A. Quinter moves into the 1A Division 1
poll at No. 9.The Great Bend boys are up three to No. 6 in Class 5A,
Logan-Palco remains 3rd and Otis-Bison drops a spot to 10th in 1A Division 2.6A Girls
 1. OP - Blue Valley North 2. Wichita Heights 3. Derby 4. Shawnee Mission South 5. Olathe North 6. Topeka - Washburn Rural 7. Olathe South 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 9. Wichita East 10. Lawrence 5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman 2. Overland Park&nbsp; - St. Thomas Aquinas 3. Andover 4. Kansas City Piper 5. Maize South 6. Lenexa - St. James Academy 7. De Soto 8. Hays 9. Andover Central 10. Arkansas City4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Roeland Park. -&nbsp; Bishop Miege 3. Topeka Hayden 4. Eudora 5. Clay Center 6. Labette County 7. Fort Scott 8. Baldwin 9. Buhler 10. St. George -&nbsp; Rock Creek 

3A Girls 1. Hesston 2. Halstead 3. Silver Lake 4. Girard 5. Colby 6. Osage City 7. Holcomb 8. Cheney 9. Haven 10. Neodesha 2A Girls 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 2. Eureka 3. Moundridge 4. Leoti - Wichita County 5. Inman 6. Hoxie 7. Highland - Doniphan West 8. Elbing - Berean Academy 9. Ellinwood 10. Bennington 1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Montezuma&nbsp; -&nbsp; South Gray 4. Clyde&nbsp; - Clifton Clyde 5. Claflin - Central Plains 6. Madison - Hamilton 7. Troy 8. Atwood - Rawlins County 9. Quinter 10. Olpe1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 4. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 5.&nbsp; South Haven 6. Marias des Cygnes Valley 7. St. Paul 8. Hartford 9. Bucklin 10. Cheylin6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest 2. Wichita Heights 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Junction City 6. Wichita Northwest 7. Blue Valley North 8. Mill Valley 9. Olathe North 10. Blue Valley Northwest 

5A Boys 1. Topeka - Highland Park 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Tecumseh – Shawnee Heights 5. Topeka Seaman 6. Great Bend 7. Topeka West 8. Andover 9. Andover Central 10. KC - Washington 4A Boys 1. Ottawa 2. McPherson 3. St. George - Rock Creek 4. Baldwin 5. Atchison 6. Andale 7. Pratt 8. Abilene 9. Clay Center 10. Concordia3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Goodland 3. Cheney 4. Hesston 5. Haven 6. Nemaha Central 7. Lakin 8. St. Mary's 9. Holcomb 10. Scott Community 2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Salina - Sacred Heart 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Sterling 5. Whitewater&nbsp; -&nbsp; Remington 6. Elbing - Berean Academy 7. Atchison - Maur Hill Mount Academy 8. Rossville 9. Valley Falls 10.&nbsp; Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 1A Div. 1 Boys 1. Coldwater - South Central 2. Lawrence - Seabury Academy 3. Olpe 4. Claflin - Central Plains 5. Oxford 6. Macksville 7. Burlingame 8. Montezuma - South Gray 9. Burden - Central 10. Spearville1A&nbsp; Div. 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan - Palco 4. McPherson - Elyria Christian 5. Hanover 6. Weskan 7. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 8. Dighton 9. St. John/Tipton 10. Otis/Bison

🏀 HHS girls fall in latest KBCA rankings

MANHEIM, Pa. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling senior Tereus Henry&nbsp;moved up to 11th at 197 pounds in the latest NWCA NCAA Division II Coaches Rankings, released Monday by the coaches association.

The El Paso, Texas native moved up one spot in the poll after sitting in 12th entering the holiday break. The former All-American opened the season ranked as high as eighth in the country.

Henry is 9-4 this season, including a 4-0 mark in duals and a 6-2 record against other Division II opponents. He's racked up four bonus-point wins on the year, including two major decisions, one pin and one technical fall.

Henry picked up a pair of wins at the SMSU Duals in his first action since the holiday break, recording one technical fall and one decision.He is one of three MIAA wrestlers in the national top 15 at 197 pounds alongside Nebraska-Kearney's Jackson Kinsella, who ranks fifth, and 13th-ranked Emmanuel Skillings from Central Oklahoma.

The men's wrestling team will enter conference action this weekend when the Tigers host Newman beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday (Jan. 26).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737487782596.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMANHEIM, Pa. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling senior Tereus Henry&nbsp;moved up to 11th at 197 pounds in the latest NWCA NCAA Division II Coaches Rankings, released Monday by the coaches association.The El Paso, Texas native moved up one spot in the poll after sitting in 12th entering the holiday break. The former All-American opened the season ranked as high as eighth in the country.Henry is 9-4 this season, including a 4-0 mark in duals and a 6-2 record against other Division II opponents. He's racked up four bonus-point wins on the year, including two major decisions, one pin and one technical fall.Henry picked up a pair of wins at the SMSU Duals in his first action since the holiday break, recording one technical fall and one decision.He is one of three MIAA wrestlers in the national top 15 at 197 pounds alongside Nebraska-Kearney's Jackson Kinsella, who ranks fifth, and 13th-ranked Emmanuel Skillings from Central Oklahoma.The men's wrestling team will enter conference action this weekend when the Tigers host Newman beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday (Jan. 26).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♂️ Henry up to 11th in NWCA rankings

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the four member Hall of Fame Class of 2025 to be inducted, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Manhattan. The 2025 class will be inducted during the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony at the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet. The event will be hosted at the Shamrock Plaza at Coach Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State University.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes:

•&nbsp;CJ Hamilton, Silver Lake H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach (1977, 1985, 1986, 2003, 2004) •&nbsp;Kent Sedlacek, Hanover H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star (1979) •&nbsp;Collin Sexton, Abilene H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2012) •&nbsp;Dane Simoneau, Salina Sacred Heart H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2007)

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame was established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments both on and off the football field. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame consists of 32 inductees, with the 2025 class soon to join. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/HallofFame">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/HallofFame</a>.

Tickets to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Ceremony and the Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, are available for $30. Please contact Jeff Bollig at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jbollig84@gmail.com">jbollig84@gmail.com</a>or call 913-449-1635 for additional ticketing information.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's.

Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 CJ HAMILTON&nbsp;– Coach, Silver Lake H.S. (1977, 1985, 1986*, 2003, 2004*) &nbsp;*Head Coach • Coached in five Kansas Shrine Bowl games, including twice as East Head Coach, the five coaching appearances is tied for the 3rd most all-time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl • Began his coaching career at his alma mater, Silver Lake H.S., in 1973• Coached at Washburn University from 1977-1978, before returning to Silver Lake H.S. in 1979 • The all-time winningest high school football coach in Kansas history, with a career record of 447-98 (.820) • In 47 years, he led Silver Lake to 40 state playoff appearances, 39 Mid-East League championships, eight state championships, and a state record 18 state championship game appearances • From 2002-2008, led Silver Lake to seven consecutive state championship game appearances • Member of the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a 2025 inductee of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame • Also led Silver Lake H.S. to baseball state championships in 1975, 1977, and 1982 as the head coach

KENT SEDLACEK&nbsp;– Player, Hanover H.S. (1979)• 1979 Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star from Hanover H.S. • Played for Kansas State University (1979-1982) • Member of the 1982 Independence Bowl team, the first bowl game appearance in KSU history • Returned to his alma mater with the Kansas State University Foundation in 1989 • As a specialist in charitable estate planning, he has been involved in securing over $400 Million in charitable contributions for KSU for over 35 years • Credits his experience playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, as an important moment in his desire to help children and make an impact with scholarships, buildings, athletics, arts, faculty and research to continue helping Kansans and mankind • Has coached over 30 teams in many sports as a volunteer during his time in Manhattan

COLLIN SEXTON&nbsp;– Player, Abilene H.S. (2012)• 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Abilene H.S. • Caught a 54-yard touchdown pass to lead the West to a 14-7 victory in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl • Served as a public relations intern for the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the summer of 2015 • Played football at Kansas State University where he was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 recipient and a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times • Joined the Kansas Athletics department in August 2021 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletics Director-Chief Strategy Officer, as well as the sport administrator for the Kansas Football program • Has played a significant role in the first-of-its-kind Deloitte partnership efforts for Kansas Athletics, the $450M Gateway District Project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the renovated and expanded Anderson Family Football Complex • Led the process and creation of Kansas Athletics Strategic plan, ‘To the Stars’, published in 2022 • Prior to coming to the University of Kansas, was the assistant athletics director for leadership giving at Northwestern and the director of football operations/chief of staff at Bowling Green State University• Contributed to a record-breaking fundraising campaign of over $460M to Northwestern athletics • Serves as a board member for the Wichita Sports Commission, representing Kansas Athletics

DANE SIMONEAU&nbsp;– Player, Salina Sacred Heart H.S. (2007) • 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Salina Sacred Heart H.S. • Ranked 2nd in Kansas High School history with 8,020 passing yards, while passing for 71 touchdowns in his high school career • Started 42 of 43 career games at Washburn University (2007-11), while setting 35 Ichabod career, season and single-game records, including the top three passing season in school history • A five-time consensus All-American who finished 2nd in the voting for the Harlon Hill Award (Division 2 Heisman) his senior season • Named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and Regional Player of the Year as a senior • Finished collegiate career 12th in NCAA Division II history with 11,291 yards passing and 15th on the all-time charts with 102 passing touchdowns • Was also a four-year starter on the Washburn baseball team where he finished his career first in all-time doubles, fourth in at bats, sixth in RBI, and 10th in hits earning all-MIAA honors as a senior at shortstop • Played professionally for the Salina Bombers of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (2012-13), where he was named the CPIFL Offensive MVP in 2013 • Currently in his fifth full-time season on the Washburn University coaching staff, moving into the role of Offensive Coordinator in the 2025 season • Spent four seasons at Northeastern State, with the final three as the Offensive Coordinator&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737495122317.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Shrine BowlThe Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the four member Hall of Fame Class of 2025 to be inducted, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Manhattan. The 2025 class will be inducted during the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony at the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet. The event will be hosted at the Shamrock Plaza at Coach Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State University.The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes:•&nbsp;CJ Hamilton, Silver Lake H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach (1977, 1985, 1986, 2003, 2004) •&nbsp;Kent Sedlacek, Hanover H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star (1979) •&nbsp;Collin Sexton, Abilene H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2012) •&nbsp;Dane Simoneau, Salina Sacred Heart H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2007)The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame was established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments both on and off the football field. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame consists of 32 inductees, with the 2025 class soon to join. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/HallofFame">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/HallofFame</a>.Tickets to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Ceremony and the Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, are available for $30. Please contact Jeff Bollig at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jbollig84@gmail.com">jbollig84@gmail.com</a>or call 913-449-1635 for additional ticketing information.The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's.Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 CJ HAMILTON&nbsp;– Coach, Silver Lake H.S. (1977, 1985, 1986*, 2003, 2004*) &nbsp;*Head Coach • Coached in five Kansas Shrine Bowl games, including twice as East Head Coach, the five coaching appearances is tied for the 3rd most all-time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl • Began his coaching career at his alma mater, Silver Lake H.S., in 1973• Coached at Washburn University from 1977-1978, before returning to Silver Lake H.S. in 1979 • The all-time winningest high school football coach in Kansas history, with a career record of 447-98 (.820) • In 47 years, he led Silver Lake to 40 state playoff appearances, 39 Mid-East League championships, eight state championships, and a state record 18 state championship game appearances • From 2002-2008, led Silver Lake to seven consecutive state championship game appearances • Member of the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a 2025 inductee of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame • Also led Silver Lake H.S. to baseball state championships in 1975, 1977, and 1982 as the head coachKENT SEDLACEK&nbsp;– Player, Hanover H.S. (1979)• 1979 Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star from Hanover H.S. • Played for Kansas State University (1979-1982) • Member of the 1982 Independence Bowl team, the first bowl game appearance in KSU history • Returned to his alma mater with the Kansas State University Foundation in 1989 • As a specialist in charitable estate planning, he has been involved in securing over $400 Million in charitable contributions for KSU for over 35 years • Credits his experience playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, as an important moment in his desire to help children and make an impact with scholarships, buildings, athletics, arts, faculty and research to continue helping Kansans and mankind • Has coached over 30 teams in many sports as a volunteer during his time in ManhattanCOLLIN SEXTON&nbsp;– Player, Abilene H.S. (2012)• 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Abilene H.S. • Caught a 54-yard touchdown pass to lead the West to a 14-7 victory in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl • Served as a public relations intern for the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the summer of 2015 • Played football at Kansas State University where he was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 recipient and a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times • Joined the Kansas Athletics department in August 2021 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletics Director-Chief Strategy Officer, as well as the sport administrator for the Kansas Football program • Has played a significant role in the first-of-its-kind Deloitte partnership efforts for Kansas Athletics, the $450M Gateway District Project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the renovated and expanded Anderson Family Football Complex • Led the process and creation of Kansas Athletics Strategic plan, ‘To the Stars’, published in 2022 • Prior to coming to the University of Kansas, was the assistant athletics director for leadership giving at Northwestern and the director of football operations/chief of staff at Bowling Green State University• Contributed to a record-breaking fundraising campaign of over $460M to Northwestern athletics • Serves as a board member for the Wichita Sports Commission, representing Kansas AthleticsDANE SIMONEAU&nbsp;– Player, Salina Sacred Heart H.S. (2007) • 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Salina Sacred Heart H.S. • Ranked 2nd in Kansas High School history with 8,020 passing yards, while passing for 71 touchdowns in his high school career • Started 42 of 43 career games at Washburn University (2007-11), while setting 35 Ichabod career, season and single-game records, including the top three passing season in school history • A five-time consensus All-American who finished 2nd in the voting for the Harlon Hill Award (Division 2 Heisman) his senior season • Named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and Regional Player of the Year as a senior • Finished collegiate career 12th in NCAA Division II history with 11,291 yards passing and 15th on the all-time charts with 102 passing touchdowns • Was also a four-year starter on the Washburn baseball team where he finished his career first in all-time doubles, fourth in at bats, sixth in RBI, and 10th in hits earning all-MIAA honors as a senior at shortstop • Played professionally for the Salina Bombers of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (2012-13), where he was named the CPIFL Offensive MVP in 2013 • Currently in his fifth full-time season on the Washburn University coaching staff, moving into the role of Offensive Coordinator in the 2025 season • Spent four seasons at Northeastern State, with the final three as the Offensive Coordinator&nbsp;

🏈 Kansas Shrine Bowl announces 2025 Hall of Fame class

Tuesday, January 21
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB at Oakley, 5:40pm

Thursday, January 23 KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Concordia, 2:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Rogers State, 5:05pm KAYS: TMP-Marian WBKB (if lose 1/21) vs. Norton/Phillipsburg, approx. 5:40pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB vs. Phillipsburg, approx. 5:40pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB vs. Goodland, approx. 6:10pm&nbsp;

Friday, January 24
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
(if win 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, 2:40pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if win 1/21) vs. Norton/Phillipsburg, approx. 5:40pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB (if lose 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, approx. 6:10pm KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Colby/Beloit, approx. 7:55pm

Saturday, January 25
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if lose 1/23) vs, Oakley/Ellis, 12:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Central Oklahoma, 1:05pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if win 1/23) vs. Oakley/Ellis, 3:40pm KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Houston, 4:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Colby Orange and Black Classic, TBD Sunday, January 26
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Buffalo/Baltimore, 5:30pm

Tuesday, January 21
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB at Oakley, 5:40pmWednesday, January 22
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at TCU, 4:30pmThursday, January 23 KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Concordia, 2:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Rogers State, 5:05pm KAYS: TMP-Marian WBKB (if lose 1/21) vs. Norton/Phillipsburg, approx. 5:40pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB vs. Phillipsburg, approx. 5:40pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB vs. Goodland, approx. 6:10pm&nbsp;Friday, January 24
 KFIX: Hays High WBKB
(if win 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, 2:40pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian WBKB (if win 1/21) vs. Norton/Phillipsburg, approx. 5:40pm KFIX: Hays High WBKB (if lose 1/23) vs. Concordia/Wellington, approx. 6:10pm KFIX: Hays High MBKB vs. Colby/Beloit, approx. 7:55pmSaturday, January 25
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if lose 1/23) vs, Oakley/Ellis, 12:40pm KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Central Oklahoma, 1:05pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MBKB (if win 1/23) vs. Oakley/Ellis, 3:40pm KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Houston, 4:00pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Colby Orange and Black Classic, TBD Sunday, January 26
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Buffalo/Baltimore, 5:30pm

ATLANTA (AP) — The pass seemed to hang up there forever. Did it feel like seven weeks? Did it feel like 10 years?

What a great debate for Ohio State fans to have forever.

When that&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OhioStateFB/status/1881552148040958413">teardrop of a throw</a>&nbsp;from Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard on third-and-11 finally landed, light as a feather, in the hands of receiver Jeremiah Smith late in the fourth quarter Monday, Ohio State had locked up what would be a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame for its sixth national title and first in a decade.

It was that 56-yard gain that snuffed out a feverish Notre Dame comeback and made the Buckeyes the champion of the sport's first 12-team playoff, just as they were champions of its first four-team tournament a decade ago.

“They were running man coverage and I said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna let this loose and let him make a play on it,’” Howard said of a play that felt about 100 years removed from Ohio State's once program-defining “Three yards and a cloud of dust.”

This was a win that hardly anyone thought possible a mere seven weeks ago — Nov. 30 — when a 13-10 loss to Michigan led to a near-riot on the field and questions over whether coach Ryan Day would keep his job when the calendar flipped.

“It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations, and at the point where there’s a lot of people that counted us out (they) just kept swinging and kept fighting,” Day said.

Buckeyes were on cruise control, then suddenly, ND came to life

It might be that much sweeter because of how it went down in a jam-packed stadium in the middle of SEC country that looked like a Christmas tree — Ohio State fans on one half in red, Notre Dame's on the other in green.

Trailing 31-7, Notre Dame scored two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions to make it a one-score game late in the fourth quarter. The in-stadium camera found legendary Irish coach Lou Holtz in his luxury box, and he ignored all those booing Buckeye fans and flashed a thumbs-up.

But Notre Dame's time was running out. After stopping the Buckeyes on their first two plays and using their timeouts, the Irish put Christian Gray — whose interception&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/penn-state-notre-dame-orange-bowl-score-34fe8fc6414366145cfaa10f0147964c">wrapped up Notre Dame's semifinal win</a>&nbsp;over Penn State — in single coverage on Smith.

Smith got behind Gray on the right sideline and Howard dropped his best pass of the season into the hands of the second-team All-American.

It set up a field goal that started the celebration in earnest, and also helped Ohio State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-notre-dame-cfp-national-championship-betting-line-4e59407b67c901d23a06f511099c45bc">cover the 8 1/2-point spread</a>&nbsp;at BetMGM Sportsbook.

“It was do or die, it was that type of down,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “He’s a heck of a player. He’s difficult to cover.”

Howard and Judkins make transfer portal pay off for Ohio State

Howard, a transfer-portal success story from Kansas State, threw for 231 yards and two scores, but nothing will beat the pass to Smith with everything on the line.

The receiver, who had been bottled up by Texas in the semifinals then fairly quiet for most of this game, finally got loose for the kind of play he’s been making all year. He finished with five catches for 88 yards.

“We felt at the end we wanted to give Jeremiah that shot,” Day said. “We really hadn't thrown it all night, but I thought, ‘Know what, let’s be aggressive, let's do this and lay it on the line.'”

Ohio State didn't really look like a team that needed to take risks after scoring touchdowns on its first four possessions, then adding a field goal on its fifth.

When Quinshon Judkins (100 yards, 11 carries, three TDs), a transfer from Mississippi who highlighted Ohio State’s judicious use of the ever-growing portal, busted a 70-yard run to set up the score that made it 28-7, this game looked over.

It wasn’t, and now Freeman will have to answer a few tough questions — one about the failed fake punt in the third quarter that turned into a field goal for a 31-7 lead; the other about sending Mitch Jeter in for a short field goal attempt while down 16 and facing fourth-and-goal from the 9. It might have looked like a better call had Jeter’s kick not clanged off the left upright.

“I know it’s still a two-score game, but you have a better probability of getting 14 points than you do 16 points,” Freeman said.

Ohio State dominated most of the night, and all through the playoffs

Really, though, Ohio State was the better team. The Buckeyes outgained Notre Dame 445 yards to 308. Howard completed his first 13 passes and never really got stopped. Ohio State punted a grand total of once.

The Buckeyes rolled through four games in the new, expanded playoff — what great timing for Ohio State that the tournament swelled to a dozen teams in a year it didn't even play for the Big Ten title — by an average score of 36-21.

Ohio State was seeded eighth, but the seedings were pretty much meaningless. The worse seed won every game in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, and the Buckeyes dominated in this title-game showdown of No. 7 vs. No. 8.

A fine ending to a season that almost got away

It puts to rest, for now, any angst about that 13-10 Michigan loss in November — Ohio State’s fourth straight in the series — that ended with a brawl after Wolverine players tried to plant a flag at midfield.

The whole scene left a lot of folks, both in and out of Buckeye circles, thinking Day, in his sixth season, had outlived his usefulness on a campus that hadn’t tasted a title in a decade.

Instead, the Ohio State marching band can dot the “I” next time with the national-title trophy. And Day can join a list of title-winning coaches with Urban Meyer (2014) Jim Tressel (2002), Woody Hayes ("Three yards and a cloud of dust") and Paul Brown (who went on to become the namesake of the NFL's Cleveland Browns).

Also, Day’s .873 winning percentage coming into the game was third among coaches with 50-plus games — one spot behind none other than the Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne, himself.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737436647075.jpeg" alt="Ohio State celebrates after their win against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)" />
 <figcaption>Ohio State celebrates after their win against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — The pass seemed to hang up there forever. Did it feel like seven weeks? Did it feel like 10 years?What a great debate for Ohio State fans to have forever.When that&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OhioStateFB/status/1881552148040958413">teardrop of a throw</a>&nbsp;from Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard on third-and-11 finally landed, light as a feather, in the hands of receiver Jeremiah Smith late in the fourth quarter Monday, Ohio State had locked up what would be a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame for its sixth national title and first in a decade.It was that 56-yard gain that snuffed out a feverish Notre Dame comeback and made the Buckeyes the champion of the sport's first 12-team playoff, just as they were champions of its first four-team tournament a decade ago.“They were running man coverage and I said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna let this loose and let him make a play on it,’” Howard said of a play that felt about 100 years removed from Ohio State's once program-defining “Three yards and a cloud of dust.”This was a win that hardly anyone thought possible a mere seven weeks ago — Nov. 30 — when a 13-10 loss to Michigan led to a near-riot on the field and questions over whether coach Ryan Day would keep his job when the calendar flipped.“It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations, and at the point where there’s a lot of people that counted us out (they) just kept swinging and kept fighting,” Day said.<h2>Buckeyes were on cruise control, then suddenly, ND came to life</h2>It might be that much sweeter because of how it went down in a jam-packed stadium in the middle of SEC country that looked like a Christmas tree — Ohio State fans on one half in red, Notre Dame's on the other in green.Trailing 31-7, Notre Dame scored two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions to make it a one-score game late in the fourth quarter. The in-stadium camera found legendary Irish coach Lou Holtz in his luxury box, and he ignored all those booing Buckeye fans and flashed a thumbs-up.But Notre Dame's time was running out. After stopping the Buckeyes on their first two plays and using their timeouts, the Irish put Christian Gray — whose interception&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/penn-state-notre-dame-orange-bowl-score-34fe8fc6414366145cfaa10f0147964c">wrapped up Notre Dame's semifinal win</a>&nbsp;over Penn State — in single coverage on Smith.Smith got behind Gray on the right sideline and Howard dropped his best pass of the season into the hands of the second-team All-American.It set up a field goal that started the celebration in earnest, and also helped Ohio State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-state-notre-dame-cfp-national-championship-betting-line-4e59407b67c901d23a06f511099c45bc">cover the 8 1/2-point spread</a>&nbsp;at BetMGM Sportsbook.“It was do or die, it was that type of down,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “He’s a heck of a player. He’s difficult to cover.”<h2>Howard and Judkins make transfer portal pay off for Ohio State</h2>Howard, a transfer-portal success story from Kansas State, threw for 231 yards and two scores, but nothing will beat the pass to Smith with everything on the line.The receiver, who had been bottled up by Texas in the semifinals then fairly quiet for most of this game, finally got loose for the kind of play he’s been making all year. He finished with five catches for 88 yards.“We felt at the end we wanted to give Jeremiah that shot,” Day said. “We really hadn't thrown it all night, but I thought, ‘Know what, let’s be aggressive, let's do this and lay it on the line.'”Ohio State didn't really look like a team that needed to take risks after scoring touchdowns on its first four possessions, then adding a field goal on its fifth.When Quinshon Judkins (100 yards, 11 carries, three TDs), a transfer from Mississippi who highlighted Ohio State’s judicious use of the ever-growing portal, busted a 70-yard run to set up the score that made it 28-7, this game looked over.It wasn’t, and now Freeman will have to answer a few tough questions — one about the failed fake punt in the third quarter that turned into a field goal for a 31-7 lead; the other about sending Mitch Jeter in for a short field goal attempt while down 16 and facing fourth-and-goal from the 9. It might have looked like a better call had Jeter’s kick not clanged off the left upright.“I know it’s still a two-score game, but you have a better probability of getting 14 points than you do 16 points,” Freeman said.<h2>Ohio State dominated most of the night, and all through the playoffs</h2>Really, though, Ohio State was the better team. The Buckeyes outgained Notre Dame 445 yards to 308. Howard completed his first 13 passes and never really got stopped. Ohio State punted a grand total of once.The Buckeyes rolled through four games in the new, expanded playoff — what great timing for Ohio State that the tournament swelled to a dozen teams in a year it didn't even play for the Big Ten title — by an average score of 36-21.Ohio State was seeded eighth, but the seedings were pretty much meaningless. The worse seed won every game in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, and the Buckeyes dominated in this title-game showdown of No. 7 vs. No. 8.<h2>A fine ending to a season that almost got away</h2>It puts to rest, for now, any angst about that 13-10 Michigan loss in November — Ohio State’s fourth straight in the series — that ended with a brawl after Wolverine players tried to plant a flag at midfield.The whole scene left a lot of folks, both in and out of Buckeye circles, thinking Day, in his sixth season, had outlived his usefulness on a campus that hadn’t tasted a title in a decade.Instead, the Ohio State marching band can dot the “I” next time with the national-title trophy. And Day can join a list of title-winning coaches with Urban Meyer (2014) Jim Tressel (2002), Woody Hayes ("Three yards and a cloud of dust") and Paul Brown (who went on to become the namesake of the NFL's Cleveland Browns).Also, Day’s .873 winning percentage coming into the game was third among coaches with 50-plus games — one spot behind none other than the Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne, himself.The Notre Dame loss means college football still has never had a Black coach win the national title.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-notre-dame-king-trump-football-faf2fc685b25a887dd6eec083223a591">Freeman was trying</a>&nbsp;to become the first.Instead, another kind of history. This marked the first time the Big Ten has taken back-to-back titles since 1942. Last year’s champion was Michigan, which was sitting home watching this one, but still played a special role in a Buckeyes redemption story hardly anyone saw coming.___