<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2024/rockhurst/boxscore/12947">BOX SCORE&nbsp;1 </a><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2024/rockhurst/boxscore/12948">BOX SCORE&nbsp;2</a>

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball snapped its losing string on Wednesday (March 13) with a doubleheader sweep of Rockhurst University. The Tigers defeated the Hawks by scores of 2-1 and 2-0, moving to 11-11 overall on the season. The Hawks dropped to 5-9 overall. The first game went to extra innings with the Tigers scoring the winning run in the eighth.

Fort Hays State 2, Rockhurst 1 (8 inn.) Fort Hays State posted an early run in the first and nearly made it hold up, but Rockhurst was able to get the tying run in the seventh to force extra innings. The Tigers went on to win in walk-off fashion on a sacrifice fly RBI with the international tiebreaking format being used in extra innings.

A Peyton Shepard leadoff single set the table for the Tigers' first run of the game. She stole second, moved up to third on a groundout, then scored on a sacrifice fly RBI by Alondra Dominguez.

Savanah Egger was cruising along with just two hits allowed through the first six innings, holding the Hawks scoreless. However, Rockhurst broke through in the seventh with a single and then an RBI double to start the inning, tying the game. The Hawks took an extra base on a Tiger misplay of the ball in the outfield, leaving a runner at third with no outs. Egger worked some wizardry to get out of the jam with a strikeout, a ground out, and then another strikeout to end the threat.

The Tigers had a golden opportunity to end the game in the seventh, but a potential sacrifice fly ball to right field turned into a double play as the Tiger runner was cut down at the plate to end the inning. Egger was able to work around the runner placed at second in the eighth with the help of her catcher Madison Pierce cutting down a potential base stealer to keep the game tied. Lexi Mohr executed a sacrifice bunt to perfection to start the eighth and two batters later, Sarah Tiffany ended the game with an RBI sacrifice fly.

Egger finished the game with 10 strikeouts, moving to 6-5 overall on the season. She scattered just four hits and walked only one in a complete game effort. Rockhurst pitcher Anna Stephen took the loss, allowing five hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Loren Beggs finished 3-for-3 at the plate in the game for the Tigers, accounting for 60 percent of the team's five hits.

Fort Hays State 2, Rockhurst 0 The Tigers scored two once again in the second game, but kept Rockhurst scoreless this time to get their overall record back to .500 on the season. Morgan Schmidt threw a two-hit complete game shutout with nine strikeouts to pick up her third win on the season. She did not allow any walks.

The Tigers had just one hit through the first three innings before finally breaking through for the game's first run in the fourth. Carly Stuke had a two-out single and then came in to score on a flare triple down the right field line by Madison Pierce. The Tigers tacked on one more run in the fifth when Peyton Shepard led off the inning with a hit and later came in to score on a two-out RBI single by Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson. The Tigers had five hits in the game, all scattered among different players.

Fort Hays State will play host to Bethany College on Thursday (March 14) in a doubleheader set to begin at 1 p.m. at Fleharty Family Field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710421104246.jpeg" alt="

FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson" />
 <figcaption>

FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2024/rockhurst/boxscore/12947">BOX SCORE&nbsp;1 </a><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2024/rockhurst/boxscore/12948">BOX SCORE&nbsp;2</a>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball snapped its losing string on Wednesday (March 13) with a doubleheader sweep of Rockhurst University. The Tigers defeated the Hawks by scores of 2-1 and 2-0, moving to 11-11 overall on the season. The Hawks dropped to 5-9 overall. The first game went to extra innings with the Tigers scoring the winning run in the eighth.Fort Hays State 2, Rockhurst 1 (8 inn.) Fort Hays State posted an early run in the first and nearly made it hold up, but Rockhurst was able to get the tying run in the seventh to force extra innings. The Tigers went on to win in walk-off fashion on a sacrifice fly RBI with the international tiebreaking format being used in extra innings.A Peyton Shepard leadoff single set the table for the Tigers' first run of the game. She stole second, moved up to third on a groundout, then scored on a sacrifice fly RBI by Alondra Dominguez.Savanah Egger was cruising along with just two hits allowed through the first six innings, holding the Hawks scoreless. However, Rockhurst broke through in the seventh with a single and then an RBI double to start the inning, tying the game. The Hawks took an extra base on a Tiger misplay of the ball in the outfield, leaving a runner at third with no outs. Egger worked some wizardry to get out of the jam with a strikeout, a ground out, and then another strikeout to end the threat.The Tigers had a golden opportunity to end the game in the seventh, but a potential sacrifice fly ball to right field turned into a double play as the Tiger runner was cut down at the plate to end the inning. Egger was able to work around the runner placed at second in the eighth with the help of her catcher Madison Pierce cutting down a potential base stealer to keep the game tied. Lexi Mohr executed a sacrifice bunt to perfection to start the eighth and two batters later, Sarah Tiffany ended the game with an RBI sacrifice fly.Egger finished the game with 10 strikeouts, moving to 6-5 overall on the season. She scattered just four hits and walked only one in a complete game effort. Rockhurst pitcher Anna Stephen took the loss, allowing five hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Loren Beggs finished 3-for-3 at the plate in the game for the Tigers, accounting for 60 percent of the team's five hits.Fort Hays State 2, Rockhurst 0 The Tigers scored two once again in the second game, but kept Rockhurst scoreless this time to get their overall record back to .500 on the season. Morgan Schmidt threw a two-hit complete game shutout with nine strikeouts to pick up her third win on the season. She did not allow any walks.The Tigers had just one hit through the first three innings before finally breaking through for the game's first run in the fourth. Carly Stuke had a two-out single and then came in to score on a flare triple down the right field line by Madison Pierce. The Tigers tacked on one more run in the fifth when Peyton Shepard led off the inning with a hit and later came in to score on a two-out RBI single by Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson. The Tigers had five hits in the game, all scattered among different players.Fort Hays State will play host to Bethany College on Thursday (March 14) in a doubleheader set to begin at 1 p.m. at Fleharty Family Field.

🥎 FHSU's Schmidt and Egger shine in pair of pitching duels vs. Rockhurst

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced that All-Star outfielder&nbsp;Bo Jackson&nbsp;has been elected into the Royals Hall of Fame. Jackson will be inducted during an on-field ceremony on Saturday, June 29 prior to the Royals game that afternoon vs. the Cleveland Guardians.

Jackson was placed on the ballot by the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board and elected through the Royals Hall of Fame Veterans Committee voting process. The veterans committee vote considers the candidacy of non-field personnel in addition to players and managers no longer eligible for election by Regular Phase Royals Hall of Fame Voting. The committee consists of 16 voting members selected by the board, comprised of Royals Hall of Fame Members, Royals Club Executives and media members. Candidates must be named on at least 75% of all ballots cast to be elected.

Jackson, the 1985 Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn University, shocked the sports world by initially spurning pro football to instead sign with the Royals in 1986. Kansas City had selected Jackson in the 4th round of the 1986 First Year Player Draft, a signing which resulted from the determined commitment of scout&nbsp;Ken Gonzales. On his official scouting report, Gonzales summarized Jackson as the “greatest pure athlete in America today.” The then-Royals Director of Scouting,&nbsp;Art Stewart, said, “It was Kenny’s relationship with the family that resulted in our signing Bo.”

Once signed, Jackson was a phenomenon unlike any player before. He made his Major League debut on Sept. 2, 1986, and recorded his 1st career hit. His 1st home run on Sept. 14, 1986 traveled an estimated 475 feet, which at the time was the longest ever hit at Royals Stadium. It was just the start of a string of near-superhuman athletic feats that made Bo not just a star for the Royals, but a cultural sensation.

Jackson scaled walls and launched throws like a superhero. His remarkable Most Valuable Player performance at the 1989 MLB All-Star Game, which included a memorable leadoff home run, cemented his status as a star among stars. Bo led the Royals with a career-best 32 home runs and 105 RBI during that 1989 season, then led the club again with 28 home runs in 1990.

“I’m so happy for my friend Bobo to get that call” said Hall of Famer and 13-time All-Star&nbsp;George Brett. “He was a great teammate and probably the most exciting player I ever played with. You’d see things that no other human could do on a baseball field or a football field. He’s one of the greatest athletes of our time, and it’s an honor to welcome him to the Royals Hall of Fame, where he belongs.”

Jackson suffered a hip injury playing for the Los Angeles Raiders in an NFL playoff game in January of 1991 which soon ended his Royals career. But where injury may have robbed Jackson’s playing days of longevity, he and his supreme talent delivered moments and memories few athletes will ever match.&nbsp;

For additional information, members of the media may contact&nbsp;Curt Nelson, Senior Director-Royals Hall of Fame, at (816) 504-4337 or at via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:curt.nelson@royals.com">curt.nelson@royals.com</a>.

The Royals Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to celebrate the accomplishments of players, coaches and other personnel who have made exceptional contributions to Kansas City Royals Baseball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591095847004.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced that All-Star outfielder&nbsp;Bo Jackson&nbsp;has been elected into the Royals Hall of Fame. Jackson will be inducted during an on-field ceremony on Saturday, June 29 prior to the Royals game that afternoon vs. the Cleveland Guardians.Jackson was placed on the ballot by the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board and elected through the Royals Hall of Fame Veterans Committee voting process. The veterans committee vote considers the candidacy of non-field personnel in addition to players and managers no longer eligible for election by Regular Phase Royals Hall of Fame Voting. The committee consists of 16 voting members selected by the board, comprised of Royals Hall of Fame Members, Royals Club Executives and media members. Candidates must be named on at least 75% of all ballots cast to be elected.Jackson, the 1985 Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn University, shocked the sports world by initially spurning pro football to instead sign with the Royals in 1986. Kansas City had selected Jackson in the 4th round of the 1986 First Year Player Draft, a signing which resulted from the determined commitment of scout&nbsp;Ken Gonzales. On his official scouting report, Gonzales summarized Jackson as the “greatest pure athlete in America today.” The then-Royals Director of Scouting,&nbsp;Art Stewart, said, “It was Kenny’s relationship with the family that resulted in our signing Bo.”Once signed, Jackson was a phenomenon unlike any player before. He made his Major League debut on Sept. 2, 1986, and recorded his 1st career hit. His 1st home run on Sept. 14, 1986 traveled an estimated 475 feet, which at the time was the longest ever hit at Royals Stadium. It was just the start of a string of near-superhuman athletic feats that made Bo not just a star for the Royals, but a cultural sensation.Jackson scaled walls and launched throws like a superhero. His remarkable Most Valuable Player performance at the 1989 MLB All-Star Game, which included a memorable leadoff home run, cemented his status as a star among stars. Bo led the Royals with a career-best 32 home runs and 105 RBI during that 1989 season, then led the club again with 28 home runs in 1990.“I’m so happy for my friend Bobo to get that call” said Hall of Famer and 13-time All-Star&nbsp;George Brett. “He was a great teammate and probably the most exciting player I ever played with. You’d see things that no other human could do on a baseball field or a football field. He’s one of the greatest athletes of our time, and it’s an honor to welcome him to the Royals Hall of Fame, where he belongs.”Jackson suffered a hip injury playing for the Los Angeles Raiders in an NFL playoff game in January of 1991 which soon ended his Royals career. But where injury may have robbed Jackson’s playing days of longevity, he and his supreme talent delivered moments and memories few athletes will ever match.&nbsp;For additional information, members of the media may contact&nbsp;Curt Nelson, Senior Director-Royals Hall of Fame, at (816) 504-4337 or at via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:curt.nelson@royals.com">curt.nelson@royals.com</a>.The Royals Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to celebrate the accomplishments of players, coaches and other personnel who have made exceptional contributions to Kansas City Royals Baseball.

⚾ Bo Jackson elected to Royals Hall of Fame

Wednesday, March 13
 KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Cincinnati, 7:00pm

Thursday, March 14
 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/13) vs. Baylor, 7:00pm

Friday, March 15
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. NW Missouri State, 11:35am
 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/14) vs. TBD, 7:00pm

Saturday, March 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men vs. Minnesota Duluth, 11:30am

KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/15) vs. TBD, 3:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women&nbsp; (if win 3/15) vs.
MWSU/MSU, 4:35pm

Sunday, March 17
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men (if win 3/16) vs. NMSU/SMSU, 4:30pm

Wednesday, March 13
 KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Cincinnati, 7:00pmThursday, March 14
 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/13) vs. Baylor, 7:00pmFriday, March 15
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. NW Missouri State, 11:35am
 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/14) vs. TBD, 7:00pm Saturday, March 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men vs. Minnesota Duluth, 11:30am

KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/15) vs. TBD, 3:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women&nbsp; (if win 3/15) vs.
MWSU/MSU, 4:35pmSunday, March 17
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men (if win 3/16) vs. NMSU/SMSU, 4:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team takes on Central Missouri in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Tournament on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team takes on Central Missouri in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Tournament on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Central Missouri (March 8, 2024)" 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=bdwtr-15ab5d0-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-WBB vs. Central Missouri (March 8, 2024)

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=12896">BOX SCORE</a>

WICHITA, Kan.. – The Fort Hays State baseball team delivered an outstanding performance against Newman University Tuesday, beating the Jets 18-3 in a game called after seven innings by run-rule.

Brady Kreutzer and Elliott Herrmann led the offensive onslaught combining for nine hits and seven RBIs. Kreutzer hits for the cycle going 4-4 with a home run, triple, double, two RBIs along with two walks and four runs scored. Kreutzer's cycle is the first for the Tigers since Jay Sanders did it back in April of 2013 against Washburn in Topeka, Kan.

Trey DeGarmo got the Tigers going early, hitting a double to left field, scoring Kreutzer in the first. Herrmann then cleared the bases with a three run home run to center field. Newman struck back in the first, scoring two on three hits. Kreutzer got his home run early in the second inning, with the Jets evening the home run up with one of their own.

The Tigers' offensive explosion came true in the fourth, scoring four on five hits. Hits included home runs from Jamison Armstrong and Isaiah Ural&nbsp;and a Kreutzer double. Pinch hitter Shaun Gomez&nbsp;went 2-2 with a home run and two RBI. Kreutzer was able to tally an RBI triple in the fifth, before finishing his cycle with a sixth inning single. Herrmann finished 5-5 with two home runs, a double and five RBIs.

Andrew Hansen&nbsp;got the start and pitched 2 2/3 innings giving up three earned runs. Dylan Rinker&nbsp;came in to relieve him and pitched a scoreless 2.1 innings, giving up just one hit. Tanner Vauhn and Will Isaly&nbsp;both tallied an inning of work, both giving up no hits.

The victory extends Fort Hays State's win streak to six games and improves their record to 18-6 (6-4 MIAA). The Tigers have scored a combined&nbsp;33 runs the past three games. 

The Tigers have a tough road series away, facing Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. The Tigers don't return home until their next game of the season series between Newman, scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, at 1:00 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710294554138.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=12896">BOX SCORE</a>WICHITA, Kan.. – The Fort Hays State baseball team delivered an outstanding performance against Newman University Tuesday, beating the Jets 18-3 in a game called after seven innings by run-rule.Brady Kreutzer and Elliott Herrmann led the offensive onslaught combining for nine hits and seven RBIs. Kreutzer hits for the cycle going 4-4 with a home run, triple, double, two RBIs along with two walks and four runs scored. Kreutzer's cycle is the first for the Tigers since Jay Sanders did it back in April of 2013 against Washburn in Topeka, Kan.Trey DeGarmo got the Tigers going early, hitting a double to left field, scoring Kreutzer in the first. Herrmann then cleared the bases with a three run home run to center field. Newman struck back in the first, scoring two on three hits. Kreutzer got his home run early in the second inning, with the Jets evening the home run up with one of their own.The Tigers' offensive explosion came true in the fourth, scoring four on five hits. Hits included home runs from Jamison Armstrong and Isaiah Ural&nbsp;and a Kreutzer double. Pinch hitter Shaun Gomez&nbsp;went 2-2 with a home run and two RBI. Kreutzer was able to tally an RBI triple in the fifth, before finishing his cycle with a sixth inning single. Herrmann finished 5-5 with two home runs, a double and five RBIs.Andrew Hansen&nbsp;got the start and pitched 2 2/3 innings giving up three earned runs. Dylan Rinker&nbsp;came in to relieve him and pitched a scoreless 2.1 innings, giving up just one hit. Tanner Vauhn and Will Isaly&nbsp;both tallied an inning of work, both giving up no hits.The victory extends Fort Hays State's win streak to six games and improves their record to 18-6 (6-4 MIAA). The Tigers have scored a combined&nbsp;33 runs the past three games. UP NEXTThe Tigers have a tough road series away, facing Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. The Tigers don't return home until their next game of the season series between Newman, scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, at 1:00 p.m.

⚾ Kreutzer hits for cycle as Tigers soar by Jets

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments will remain at T-Mobile Center through 2031, commissioner Brett Yormark said Tuesday night, shortly before Texas and Iowa State played for the women's title in the building for the first time.

The women's tournament had long been played down the street from the glitzy downtown arena at Municipal Auditorium, which has tremendous history as one of the homes of early NCAA championship games but has grown antiquated over time.

One of Yormark's priorities after taking over leadership of the Big 12 was to raise the profile of the women's tournament, and that meant moving it to the T-Mobile Center. That also required moving the dates of the championship, with early-round games occurring last week and the title game Tuesday night following the first two games of the men's tournament.

“I think I said to many last year, when I came here the first time to the community, met with many of the leaders, it was a real easy decision when I went back to Dallas that we needed to double down on this community,” Yormark said. “It feels like a Super Bowl each time we're here. The fan support is tremendous. The community is tremendous.”

The men's and women's tournaments were scheduled to be played in Kansas City through 2027, so the extension amounts to four years. But it also comes as the league expands its footprint west with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah replacing Oklahoma and Texas in the league, and that gave the Big 12 other hosting options such as Las Vegas and Phoenix.

In fact, the Big 12 will be holding its football media days in Las Vegas later this year.

“We are a national conference now. We're in 10 states, four time zones,” Yormark said. “When it comes to men's and women's basketball, and women's soccer, this needed to be our home. We're going to football media day in Vegas, which we are excited about, and there will be other opportunities to move closer to that footprint, but we needed to be in Kansas City.”

Along with the basketball tournaments, Yormark announced that the Big 12 women's soccer championship was moving to CPKC Stadium. The first stadium facility built for a women's professional soccer club in the U.S. — in this case, the Kansas City Current of the National Women's Soccer League — is scheduled to open Saturday when the Current plays Portland.

“It's an amazing time to be in Kansas City, and it's an amazing time to invest in Kansas City,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas, who has been supportive of an April ballot issue to renew a sales tax that would help fund renovations to Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, along with a new downtown ballpark for the Royals.

“The Big 12 Conference is part of Kansas City's DNA. We all have stories about the Big 12, or if we're old enough, the Big Eight here in Kansas City," Lucas said. "We're excited to continue to share the story in Kansas City.”

In other news, Yormark said the lame-duck status of Oklahoma and Texas, which are departing for the SEC after this season, has not created any challenges even as the Big 12 looks toward the future as a revamped 16-team league.

“Texas and Oklahoma, great contributors to the conference. Been here since Day 1,” Yormark said. “They're finishing strong, obviously, and when the time comes, we'll wish them well. But there's never been a better time to be part of this conference.”

Yormark also indicated that he would be in favor of expanding the NCAA Tournament.

"I read what you read, and from what I've been told, and what I'm reading, there could be modest expansion. I think 76 is the number that has been out there," he said. “The data shows if you expand to 76, the power-four conferences will benefit mostly, and that includes the Big 12. I'm all about access. We have the deepest conference in America.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710290857109.jpeg" alt="Photo Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Photo Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments will remain at T-Mobile Center through 2031, commissioner Brett Yormark said Tuesday night, shortly before Texas and Iowa State played for the women's title in the building for the first time.The women's tournament had long been played down the street from the glitzy downtown arena at Municipal Auditorium, which has tremendous history as one of the homes of early NCAA championship games but has grown antiquated over time.One of Yormark's priorities after taking over leadership of the Big 12 was to raise the profile of the women's tournament, and that meant moving it to the T-Mobile Center. That also required moving the dates of the championship, with early-round games occurring last week and the title game Tuesday night following the first two games of the men's tournament.“I think I said to many last year, when I came here the first time to the community, met with many of the leaders, it was a real easy decision when I went back to Dallas that we needed to double down on this community,” Yormark said. “It feels like a Super Bowl each time we're here. The fan support is tremendous. The community is tremendous.”The men's and women's tournaments were scheduled to be played in Kansas City through 2027, so the extension amounts to four years. But it also comes as the league expands its footprint west with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah replacing Oklahoma and Texas in the league, and that gave the Big 12 other hosting options such as Las Vegas and Phoenix.In fact, the Big 12 will be holding its football media days in Las Vegas later this year.“We are a national conference now. We're in 10 states, four time zones,” Yormark said. “When it comes to men's and women's basketball, and women's soccer, this needed to be our home. We're going to football media day in Vegas, which we are excited about, and there will be other opportunities to move closer to that footprint, but we needed to be in Kansas City.”Along with the basketball tournaments, Yormark announced that the Big 12 women's soccer championship was moving to CPKC Stadium. The first stadium facility built for a women's professional soccer club in the U.S. — in this case, the Kansas City Current of the National Women's Soccer League — is scheduled to open Saturday when the Current plays Portland.“It's an amazing time to be in Kansas City, and it's an amazing time to invest in Kansas City,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas, who has been supportive of an April ballot issue to renew a sales tax that would help fund renovations to Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, along with a new downtown ballpark for the Royals.“The Big 12 Conference is part of Kansas City's DNA. We all have stories about the Big 12, or if we're old enough, the Big Eight here in Kansas City," Lucas said. "We're excited to continue to share the story in Kansas City.”In other news, Yormark said the lame-duck status of Oklahoma and Texas, which are departing for the SEC after this season, has not created any challenges even as the Big 12 looks toward the future as a revamped 16-team league.“Texas and Oklahoma, great contributors to the conference. Been here since Day 1,” Yormark said. “They're finishing strong, obviously, and when the time comes, we'll wish them well. But there's never been a better time to be part of this conference.”Yormark also indicated that he would be in favor of expanding the NCAA Tournament."I read what you read, and from what I've been told, and what I'm reading, there could be modest expansion. I think 76 is the number that has been out there," he said. “The data shows if you expand to 76, the power-four conferences will benefit mostly, and that includes the Big 12. I'm all about access. We have the deepest conference in America.”___

Big 12 men's and women's tournaments to remain in Kansas City through 2031

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State is ranked No. 19 in the NABC Top 25 Poll as it enters the NCAA Division II National Tournament this weekend in Mankato, Minn. The Tigers will be participating in the Central Regional, hosted by the region's top-ranked team Minnesota State. The Tigers hold a record of 23-7 and make their eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament under head coach Mark Johnson. This is the seventh-straight week the Tigers have been in the NABC Top 25.

Fort Hays State will be making its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2016. The Tigers have won at least 21 games each of the last three seasons. They have reached 23 wins for the sixth time under Mark Johnson.

The Tigers are coming off a loss to Pittsburg State in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals this past Saturday in Kansas City. The Tigers' regular season resume was strong enough this year to get into the NCAA Central Regional as one of five at-large bids, after being left out of the field each of the last two years despite strong bodies of work in both 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Fort Hays State and Northwest Missouri State continue to represent the MIAA in the Top 25 of the NABC poll. NWMSU is No. 4 once again this week, holding its ground after winning the MIAA Tournament title to go with its regular season title. With its hot streak to get into the national tournament, Pittsburg State moved up in the receiving votes list this week.

The Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament will feature five NABC Top 25 ranked teams. Tournament host Minnesota State is the No. 2 ranked team in the country, followed by Northwest Missouri State at No. 4, Minnesota Duluth at No. 10, MSU Moorhead at No. 11, and Fort Hays State at No. 19. The South Central Regional is the only other regional in the NCAA Tournament that will have the same amount of top 25 teams competing. The Atlantic and Southeast regions each have four top 25 teams. Those four regions out of eight total combine for 18 of the NABC Top 25 teams nationally.

Rank	Team	Record	Points	Prev 1	Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (15)	27-2	399	1 2	Minnesota State	29-2	381	2 3	Gannon, Pa.	29-2	358	3 4	Northwest Missouri State (1)	27-4	355	4 5	Fort Lewis, Colo.	28-3	337	6 6	Colorado Mesa	27-4	295	5 7	Charleston, W.Va.	27-4	275	12 8	California, Pa.	27-4	274	8 9	West Texas A&amp;M	26-4	271	7 10	Minnesota Duluth	25-6	227	9 11	MSU Moorhead, Minn.	24-5	219	11 12	Dallas Baptist, Texas	24-5	213	10 13	West Georgia	26-5	200	18 14	North Georgia	25-6	180	20 15	St. Thomas Aquinas, N.Y.	25-5	178	15 16	West Liberty, W.Va.	25-6	167	13 17	Cal State LA	24-7	124	NR 18	USC Aiken, S.C.	23-6	111	17 19	Fort Hays State, Kan.	23-7	96	16 20	Cal State San Bernardino	23-7	82	19 21	Indianapolis, Ind.	22-8	78	23 22	Walsh, Ohio	24-5	63	24 23	Colorado School of Mines	24-8	52	21 24	UNC Pembroke, N.C.	23-6	45	NR 25	Catawba, N.C.	22-5	43	NR

Receiving Votes: Saint Michael's (Vt.) 39, East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 34, Emmanuel (Ga.) 21, Pittsburg State (Kan.) 13, Eastern New Mexico 12, Benedict (S.C.) 11, Upper Iowa 9, Ferris State (Mich.) 8, Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) 8, Concord (W.Va.) 6, Florida Southern 5, Cal State Dominguez Hills 4, Daemen (N.Y.) 4, Kentucky Wesleyan 4, Minot State (N.C.) 3, Montana State-Billings 3, William Jewell (Mo.) 3, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 2, Winona State (Minn.) 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710276527457.jpeg" alt="

FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>

FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State is ranked No. 19 in the NABC Top 25 Poll as it enters the NCAA Division II National Tournament this weekend in Mankato, Minn. The Tigers will be participating in the Central Regional, hosted by the region's top-ranked team Minnesota State. The Tigers hold a record of 23-7 and make their eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament under head coach Mark Johnson. This is the seventh-straight week the Tigers have been in the NABC Top 25.Fort Hays State will be making its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2016. The Tigers have won at least 21 games each of the last three seasons. They have reached 23 wins for the sixth time under Mark Johnson.The Tigers are coming off a loss to Pittsburg State in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals this past Saturday in Kansas City. The Tigers' regular season resume was strong enough this year to get into the NCAA Central Regional as one of five at-large bids, after being left out of the field each of the last two years despite strong bodies of work in both 2021-22 and 2022-23.Fort Hays State and Northwest Missouri State continue to represent the MIAA in the Top 25 of the NABC poll. NWMSU is No. 4 once again this week, holding its ground after winning the MIAA Tournament title to go with its regular season title. With its hot streak to get into the national tournament, Pittsburg State moved up in the receiving votes list this week.The Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament will feature five NABC Top 25 ranked teams. Tournament host Minnesota State is the No. 2 ranked team in the country, followed by Northwest Missouri State at No. 4, Minnesota Duluth at No. 10, MSU Moorhead at No. 11, and Fort Hays State at No. 19. The South Central Regional is the only other regional in the NCAA Tournament that will have the same amount of top 25 teams competing. The Atlantic and Southeast regions each have four top 25 teams. Those four regions out of eight total combine for 18 of the NABC Top 25 teams nationally.Below is the latest NABC Top 25 Poll.Rank	Team	Record	Points	Prev 1	Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (15)	27-2	399	1 2	Minnesota State	29-2	381	2 3	Gannon, Pa.	29-2	358	3 4	Northwest Missouri State (1)	27-4	355	4 5	Fort Lewis, Colo.	28-3	337	6 6	Colorado Mesa	27-4	295	5 7	Charleston, W.Va.	27-4	275	12 8	California, Pa.	27-4	274	8 9	West Texas A&amp;M	26-4	271	7 10	Minnesota Duluth	25-6	227	9 11	MSU Moorhead, Minn.	24-5	219	11 12	Dallas Baptist, Texas	24-5	213	10 13	West Georgia	26-5	200	18 14	North Georgia	25-6	180	20 15	St. Thomas Aquinas, N.Y.	25-5	178	15 16	West Liberty, W.Va.	25-6	167	13 17	Cal State LA	24-7	124	NR 18	USC Aiken, S.C.	23-6	111	17 19	Fort Hays State, Kan.	23-7	96	16 20	Cal State San Bernardino	23-7	82	19 21	Indianapolis, Ind.	22-8	78	23 22	Walsh, Ohio	24-5	63	24 23	Colorado School of Mines	24-8	52	21 24	UNC Pembroke, N.C.	23-6	45	NR 25	Catawba, N.C.	22-5	43	NRReceiving Votes: Saint Michael's (Vt.) 39, East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 34, Emmanuel (Ga.) 21, Pittsburg State (Kan.) 13, Eastern New Mexico 12, Benedict (S.C.) 11, Upper Iowa 9, Ferris State (Mich.) 8, Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) 8, Concord (W.Va.) 6, Florida Southern 5, Cal State Dominguez Hills 4, Daemen (N.Y.) 4, Kentucky Wesleyan 4, Minot State (N.C.) 3, Montana State-Billings 3, William Jewell (Mo.) 3, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 2, Winona State (Minn.) 2.

🏀 Tigers enter NCAA Tournament ranked No. 19 in NABC Top 25 Poll

OWASSO, Okla. – The Fort Hays State men's golf team started up their spring season with a fourth-place finish on Tuesday (March 12) at the Hillcat Classic hosted by Rogers State. The tournament was played at Bailey Ranch Golf Course which totaled 6,705 yards and was a par-72 course.

Fort Hays State as a team tied for first after a round one score of 286, the best team score in over 15 years. This marks the third time this year that Fort Hays State has posted a score at-or-under par. The Tigers finished 18-over par with a total of 905 strokes. Fort Hays State was able to climb one spot on the leaderboard in the final round and placed fourth in the tournament and second in MIAA teams. Cooper Scheck, Jackson Rader, Cole Streck, and Parker Krob each secured eagles during the tournament, propelling the team to achieve the highest number of eagles throughout the event.

The Tigers were led by Cooper Scheck who was a top ten performer shooting just 3-over par during the tournament. He ended up tying for sixth place while shooting rounds of 70, 76, and 73, marking the first top 10 finish by a Tiger all season. Scheck led the team with ten birdies in the tournament, nine coming for rounds one and three. Cole Streck and Jackson Rader both turned in top-30 performances turning in scorecards of 14-over par and 16-over par. Scheck had a phenomenal first and third round, going 2-under par over the first-round while shooting five birdies. He finished his third round 1-over par while hitting four birdies. Streck saw himself having a superior first round as well, hitting five birdies while going even. Rader shot his best round in round three with a 2-over par, 74. Rader carded nine birdies in his three rounds of play.

Parker Krob tied for 33rd place after shooting an 18-over par in the tournament. Krob had a great first round, going even and had three birdies. Krob had round scores of 72, 84, and 78 and led the Tigers in total pars with 32. Tanner Copeland finished just a few spots behind Krob, finishing in 39th place. Copeland got off to a great start with a 72 in round one while shooting four birdies. He finished the tournament with an 86 and 83 in the last two rounds. Jacob George finished in 42nd place after shooting a 246. George finished round two at just 13-over par while recording three birdies in the second round.

Jackson Cole of Arkansas Tech took home the individual title after shooting a 6-under par, four strokes ahead of the next spot on the leaderboard. Cole raced out to a great start on the tournament with a 70 to start the competition. He followed round one with the best round score of the tournament at 68. Rogers State clinched the team title after five of their six players finished in the top 10. They finished at 5-under par as a team.

The team will look forward to the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational hosted in Blue Springs, Mo. This event is scheduled for Monday (March 25) to Tuesday (Maech 26).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710276230160.jpeg" alt="

FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>

FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsOWASSO, Okla. – The Fort Hays State men's golf team started up their spring season with a fourth-place finish on Tuesday (March 12) at the Hillcat Classic hosted by Rogers State. The tournament was played at Bailey Ranch Golf Course which totaled 6,705 yards and was a par-72 course.Fort Hays State as a team tied for first after a round one score of 286, the best team score in over 15 years. This marks the third time this year that Fort Hays State has posted a score at-or-under par. The Tigers finished 18-over par with a total of 905 strokes. Fort Hays State was able to climb one spot on the leaderboard in the final round and placed fourth in the tournament and second in MIAA teams. Cooper Scheck, Jackson Rader, Cole Streck, and Parker Krob each secured eagles during the tournament, propelling the team to achieve the highest number of eagles throughout the event.The Tigers were led by Cooper Scheck who was a top ten performer shooting just 3-over par during the tournament. He ended up tying for sixth place while shooting rounds of 70, 76, and 73, marking the first top 10 finish by a Tiger all season. Scheck led the team with ten birdies in the tournament, nine coming for rounds one and three. Cole Streck and Jackson Rader both turned in top-30 performances turning in scorecards of 14-over par and 16-over par. Scheck had a phenomenal first and third round, going 2-under par over the first-round while shooting five birdies. He finished his third round 1-over par while hitting four birdies. Streck saw himself having a superior first round as well, hitting five birdies while going even. Rader shot his best round in round three with a 2-over par, 74. Rader carded nine birdies in his three rounds of play.Parker Krob tied for 33rd place after shooting an 18-over par in the tournament. Krob had a great first round, going even and had three birdies. Krob had round scores of 72, 84, and 78 and led the Tigers in total pars with 32. Tanner Copeland finished just a few spots behind Krob, finishing in 39th place. Copeland got off to a great start with a 72 in round one while shooting four birdies. He finished the tournament with an 86 and 83 in the last two rounds. Jacob George finished in 42nd place after shooting a 246. George finished round two at just 13-over par while recording three birdies in the second round.Jackson Cole of Arkansas Tech took home the individual title after shooting a 6-under par, four strokes ahead of the next spot on the leaderboard. Cole raced out to a great start on the tournament with a 70 to start the competition. He followed round one with the best round score of the tournament at 68. Rogers State clinched the team title after five of their six players finished in the top 10. They finished at 5-under par as a team.The team will look forward to the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational hosted in Blue Springs, Mo. This event is scheduled for Monday (March 25) to Tuesday (Maech 26).

⛳ FHSU's Scheck ties for sixth, men Finish fourth to start spring season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State first baseman Elliott Herrmann was named the MIAA Co-Hitter of the Week on Tuesday (March 12) for his efforts over five games last week.

Elliott Herrmann drove in 14 runs and scored five runs in five Tiger victories last week. He drove in runs in all five contests for the Tigers, with at least two in all five games. In a non-conference doubleheader against Upper Iowa, he drove in six runs which included a pair of sacrifice fly RBIs, a bases loaded walk, and a three-run home run. He had eight RBIs in the three-game series with Northeastern State, hitting a pair of solo home runs, a two-run double, a two-run single, a one-run single, and an RBI groundout.

For the week, Herrmann went 8-for-15 (.533) with three extra-base hits. He struck out just once in 20 plate appearances.

Herrmann shared the Hitter of the Week honors with Max Holy of Central Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710273015768.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State first baseman Elliott Herrmann was named the MIAA Co-Hitter of the Week on Tuesday (March 12) for his efforts over five games last week.Elliott Herrmann drove in 14 runs and scored five runs in five Tiger victories last week. He drove in runs in all five contests for the Tigers, with at least two in all five games. In a non-conference doubleheader against Upper Iowa, he drove in six runs which included a pair of sacrifice fly RBIs, a bases loaded walk, and a three-run home run. He had eight RBIs in the three-game series with Northeastern State, hitting a pair of solo home runs, a two-run double, a two-run single, a one-run single, and an RBI groundout.For the week, Herrmann went 8-for-15 (.533) with three extra-base hits. He struck out just once in 20 plate appearances.Herrmann shared the Hitter of the Week honors with Max Holy of Central Missouri.

⚾ FHSU's Herrmann named MIAA Co-Hitter of the Week

The Fort Hays State men's basketball team takes on Lincoln in the quarterfinals of the 2024 MIAA Championships on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

The Fort Hays State men's basketball team takes on Lincoln in the quarterfinals of the 2024 MIAA Championships on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Lincoln (March 7, 2024)" 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=e9waj-15a9e99-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. Lincoln (March 7, 2024)

Wednesday, March 13
 KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Cincinnati/West Virginia, 7:00pm

Wednesday, March 13
 KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Cincinnati/West Virginia, 7:00pmThursday, March 14
 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/13) vs. Baylor, 7:00pmFriday, March 15
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. NW Missouri State, 11:35am
 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/14) vs. TBD, 7:00pm Saturday, March 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men vs. Minnesota Duluth, 11:30am

KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/15) vs. TBD, 3:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women&nbsp; (if win 3/15) vs.
MWSU/MSU, 4:35pmSunday, March 17
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men (if win 3/16) vs. NMSU/SMSU, 4:30pm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Jones will make $95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive player in NFL history were not disclosed.

“Five more years of greatness,” Jones said in a brief video posted Monday on X, formally known as Twitter. “This is everything we've dreamed about, talked about. Now let's get some more Super Bowl rings.”

Jones turns 30 in July, so the Chiefs are gambling that there will be no drop-off for one of the league's top pass rushers.

His agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.” Jones later tweeted an “A+” to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose ownership of the franchise was given a failing grade when the NFL Players Association released its annual report card at the scouting combine.

Jones promised Chiefs fans at a victory parade following their overtime win over San Francisco in the Super Bowl that he'd be back to chase a three-peat, but that required getting a long-term deal done with a franchise bumping up against the salary cap.

The sides had tried and failed to do that the past two offseasons, and Jones skipped every offseason workout last year — including a mandatory minicamp and training camp — along with a Week 1 loss to Detroit while at an impasse. He piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.

Jones proceeded to start every game in the regular season and playoffs, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.

Jones' teammates certainly harbored no ill-will for his holdout; they rushed from the bench to celebrate the sack with him.

Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped a team yet to play a road playoff game during its recent run win games at Buffalo and Baltimore. That sent the Chiefs on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, and the overtime win over the 49ers gave Jones his third championship ring.

Now, the affable defensive tackle will have the opportunity to win a fourth in Kansas City.

Jones was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Mississippi State, and he quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. He was a second-team All-Pro in his second season, when he had 15 1/2 sacks, and then began his current run of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances the following year.

He was voted a first-team All-Pro for the second straight season this past year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710188169956.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) chases San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) chases San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.Jones will make $95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive player in NFL history were not disclosed.“Five more years of greatness,” Jones said in a brief video posted Monday on X, formally known as Twitter. “This is everything we've dreamed about, talked about. Now let's get some more Super Bowl rings.”Jones turns 30 in July, so the Chiefs are gambling that there will be no drop-off for one of the league's top pass rushers.His agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.” Jones later tweeted an “A+” to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose ownership of the franchise was given a failing grade when the NFL Players Association released its annual report card at the scouting combine.Jones promised Chiefs fans at a victory parade following their overtime win over San Francisco in the Super Bowl that he'd be back to chase a three-peat, but that required getting a long-term deal done with a franchise bumping up against the salary cap.The sides had tried and failed to do that the past two offseasons, and Jones skipped every offseason workout last year — including a mandatory minicamp and training camp — along with a Week 1 loss to Detroit while at an impasse. He piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.Jones proceeded to start every game in the regular season and playoffs, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.Jones' teammates certainly harbored no ill-will for his holdout; they rushed from the bench to celebrate the sack with him.Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped a team yet to play a road playoff game during its recent run win games at Buffalo and Baltimore. That sent the Chiefs on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, and the overtime win over the 49ers gave Jones his third championship ring.Now, the affable defensive tackle will have the opportunity to win a fourth in Kansas City.Jones was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Mississippi State, and he quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. He was a second-team All-Pro in his second season, when he had 15 1/2 sacks, and then began his current run of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances the following year.He was voted a first-team All-Pro for the second straight season this past year.

🏈 Chiefs, All-Pro DT Chris Jones finalize 5-year, $158.75M deal with $95M guaranteed

Monday, March 11
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pm

Monday, March 11
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pmWednesday, March 13
 KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Cincinnati/West Virginia, 7:00pmThursday, March 14
 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/13) vs. Baylor, 7:00pmFriday, March 15
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. NW Missouri State, 11:35am
 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/14) vs. TBD, 7:00pm Saturday, March 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men vs. Minnesota Duluth, 11:30am

KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/15) vs. TBD, 3:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women&nbsp; (if win 3/15) vs.
MWSU/MSU, 4:35pmSunday, March 17
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men (if win 3/16) vs. NMSU/SMSU, 4:30pm

<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-men/d2/2024">2024 NCAA II MBB Bracket</a>

INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State men's basketball team earned an at-large bid into the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championships, announced Sunday by the NCAA office. With a record of 23-7, the Tigers received the No. 6 seed in the Central Region and will take on No. 3 seed Minnesota Duluth in the regional quarterfinals on Saturday.

Minnesota State is the top seed in the region and will host the regional in Mankato, Minn. March 16, 17 and 19.

This is Fort Hays State's 14th trip to an NCAA Central Regional and first since 2016. It is the eighth appearance in an NCAA regional under head coach Mark Johnson. The Tigers are 10-12 all-time in the tournament, including a 7-8 record in neutral-site contests. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs (25-6).

The Tigers last played in the NCAA Tournament in the 2016 regional quarterfinals. The Tigers are 3-4 in regional quarterfinal games. Fort Hays State has played in three regional title games, winning one en route to its national title in 1996.

Two other MIAA schools join FHSU in the field of eight, including No. 2 Northwest Missouri State and No. 5 Pittsburg State. The Northern Sun has four teams in the field, and the Great American Conference earned one bid.

The winner of the Central Region will meet up with seven other regional champions at the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Elite Eight in Evansville, Ind. March 26-30.More information on the regional, including game times, ticket information and more will be released as it becomes available.

2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship Central Region Tournament Quarterfinal Matchups No. 1 Minnesota State (29-2) vs. No. 8 Arkansas Tech (25-6) No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (27-4) vs. No. 7 Southwest Minnesota State (19-12) No. 3 Minnesota Duluth (25-6) vs. No. 6 Fort Hays State (23-7) No. 4 MSU Moorhead (24-5) vs. No. 5 Pittsburg State (21-10)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710153282079.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-men/d2/2024">2024 NCAA II MBB Bracket</a>INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State men's basketball team earned an at-large bid into the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championships, announced Sunday by the NCAA office. With a record of 23-7, the Tigers received the No. 6 seed in the Central Region and will take on No. 3 seed Minnesota Duluth in the regional quarterfinals on Saturday.Minnesota State is the top seed in the region and will host the regional in Mankato, Minn. March 16, 17 and 19.This is Fort Hays State's 14th trip to an NCAA Central Regional and first since 2016. It is the eighth appearance in an NCAA regional under head coach Mark Johnson. The Tigers are 10-12 all-time in the tournament, including a 7-8 record in neutral-site contests. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs (25-6).The Tigers last played in the NCAA Tournament in the 2016 regional quarterfinals. The Tigers are 3-4 in regional quarterfinal games. Fort Hays State has played in three regional title games, winning one en route to its national title in 1996.Two other MIAA schools join FHSU in the field of eight, including No. 2 Northwest Missouri State and No. 5 Pittsburg State. The Northern Sun has four teams in the field, and the Great American Conference earned one bid.The winner of the Central Region will meet up with seven other regional champions at the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Elite Eight in Evansville, Ind. March 26-30.More information on the regional, including game times, ticket information and more will be released as it becomes available.2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship Central Region Tournament Quarterfinal Matchups No. 1 Minnesota State (29-2) vs. No. 8 Arkansas Tech (25-6) No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (27-4) vs. No. 7 Southwest Minnesota State (19-12) No. 3 Minnesota Duluth (25-6) vs. No. 6 Fort Hays State (23-7) No. 4 MSU Moorhead (24-5) vs. No. 5 Pittsburg State (21-10)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger men headed back to NCAAs for first time since 2016

<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d2/2024">2024 NCAA II WBB Bracket</a>

INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team earned an at-large bid into the 2024 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship, announced Sunday. The Tigers secured the No. 3 seed in the Central Region and will take on sixth-seeded Northwest Missouri State in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 15.

Southern Nazarene was picked as the top seed in the region and will play host to the regional in Bethany, Okla.

The Tigers are 24-7 this season, winning 20 or more games for a 13th-straight season, the longest-active streak in Division II. This is Fort Hays State's ninth trip to the NCAA Tournament and its eighth trip over the last 10 years. Fort Hays State is 7-7 all-time in the tournament.

Fort Hays State has never played as the No. 3 seed in the regional and has never taken on the No. 6 seed. The Tigers are 4-2 in the quarterfinal round, 1-3 against MIAA opponents in the tournament and 1-2 in neutral-site contests.

The Tigers last qualified for the Central Regional in 2022 when FHSU was the top seed and tournament host. FHSU has advanced to the regional title game three times in school history.

FHSU will play Northwest Missouri State (23-7) for a fourth time this season and a second time in less than one week, with the Tigers defeating the Bearcats in the MIAA Semifinals on Saturday (March 9). The teams split in the regular season before FHSU went up 2-1 in the season series with the postseason victory.

The eight regional champions will meet up in St. Joseph, Mo. for the 2024 NCAA DII Elite Eight March 25-29. The Tigers hope to end their season in the same building it began, with FHSU opening the year with two wins inside the St. Joseph Civic Arena.

More information on the regional, including game times, ticket information and more will be released as it becomes available.

2024 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship Central Region Tournament Quarterfinal Matchups No. 1 Southern Nazarene (28-2) vs. No. 8 Henderson State (20-11) No. 2 Missouri Western (25-5) vs. No. 7 Minnesota State (26-5) No. 3 Fort Hays State (24-7) vs. Northwest Missouri State (23-7) No. 4 Pittsburg State (24-7) vs. Harding (25-5)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710151783158.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d2/2024">2024 NCAA II WBB Bracket</a>INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team earned an at-large bid into the 2024 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship, announced Sunday. The Tigers secured the No. 3 seed in the Central Region and will take on sixth-seeded Northwest Missouri State in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 15.Southern Nazarene was picked as the top seed in the region and will play host to the regional in Bethany, Okla.The Tigers are 24-7 this season, winning 20 or more games for a 13th-straight season, the longest-active streak in Division II. This is Fort Hays State's ninth trip to the NCAA Tournament and its eighth trip over the last 10 years. Fort Hays State is 7-7 all-time in the tournament.Fort Hays State has never played as the No. 3 seed in the regional and has never taken on the No. 6 seed. The Tigers are 4-2 in the quarterfinal round, 1-3 against MIAA opponents in the tournament and 1-2 in neutral-site contests.The Tigers last qualified for the Central Regional in 2022 when FHSU was the top seed and tournament host. FHSU has advanced to the regional title game three times in school history.FHSU will play Northwest Missouri State (23-7) for a fourth time this season and a second time in less than one week, with the Tigers defeating the Bearcats in the MIAA Semifinals on Saturday (March 9). The teams split in the regular season before FHSU went up 2-1 in the season series with the postseason victory.The eight regional champions will meet up in St. Joseph, Mo. for the 2024 NCAA DII Elite Eight March 25-29. The Tigers hope to end their season in the same building it began, with FHSU opening the year with two wins inside the St. Joseph Civic Arena.More information on the regional, including game times, ticket information and more will be released as it becomes available.2024 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship Central Region Tournament Quarterfinal Matchups No. 1 Southern Nazarene (28-2) vs. No. 8 Henderson State (20-11) No. 2 Missouri Western (25-5) vs. No. 7 Minnesota State (26-5) No. 3 Fort Hays State (24-7) vs. Northwest Missouri State (23-7) No. 4 Pittsburg State (24-7) vs. Harding (25-5)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Ticket punched for FHSU women, 3-seed in NCAA II Central Regional

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/pittsburg-state/boxscore/13059">BOX SCORE</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State struggled hitting shots early and tried to battle out of a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, but a late comeback rally came up short as Pittsburg State claimed the MIAA Tournament title on Sunday with a 63-53 victory. FHSU is now 24-7 overall, while PSU also moved to 24-7 overall.

The Tigers were ranked No. 3 in the Central Region rankings the last two weeks. The NCAA selection show will be at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night on NCAA.com.

Katie Wagner&nbsp;hit the opening bucket of the game, a corner 3-point field goal to give the Tigers the early lead, but then the offense went cold for a while, going through a 2-of-13 spell from the field the rest of the first quarter. That allowed the Gorillas to build a 15-7 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

Despite the early offensive struggles, the Tigers made some progress in the second quarter by holding the Gorillas to just one field goal in the frame. Down 10, the Tigers started to chip away and got the lead back to four before the Gorillas took a five-point advantage to halftime of 26-21. The Tigers had only three players score in the first half, led by Wagner with 10. Sydney Golladay&nbsp;had six and Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;had five.

The Tigers cut the lead to three a pair of times early in the third quarter before Grace Pyle hit one of her big 3-point shots in the game to hold off a Tiger charge. That triggered a 10-0 run by the Gorillas over about a span of four minutes that pushed the lead up to 13. That was the margin heading into the fourth quarter with Pitt State up 42-29.

Fort Hays State put on a frantic full-court press effort in the final three minutes of the game and had Pittsburg State rattled in trying to bring the ball up the floor. Down 10, Wagner hit a pair of free throws to cut the margin to eight, then a turnover set up a Golladay 3-point field goal to cut the margin to five. The teams traded two points each, but then Hollenbeck created a steal near midcourt and Katie Wagner&nbsp;raced ahead for what looked to be a chance for an and-one opportunity as a foul was called as she made the fast-break bucket. However, a charging foul was called and it wiped off the basket as FHSU was possibly on the verge of cutting the lead to two with about 1:20 to play. Pyle then hit a dagger 3-pointer to make the lead eight and put the game away for the Gorillas.

Ultimately, a tough shooting day was too much for the Tigers to overcome. They shot just 31.7 percent from the field. Pittsburg State hit 42.2 percent of its field goal attempts and made two more 3-point field goals (6 for PSU to 4 for FHSU). The free-throw line is where the Gorillas won the game, hitting 19 compared to 11 for FHSU. The Gorillas had eight more attempts at the line than the Tigers.

Katie Wagner&nbsp;finished with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds to earn the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;was also on the all-tournament team, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds. Golladay joined Wagner in double figures scoring with 15 points for the game.

Macie Mays led the Gorillas with 17 points and went 8-of-8 at the free-throw line. Pyle was 6-of-6 at the stripe and hit three 3-point field goals to finish with 15 points. Karenna Gerber had 10 points.

Fort Hays State now looks for an at-large selection for the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament next week. Site host and matchups will be announced during the NCAA selection show on Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710121893055.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Katie Wagner drives to the basket in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, March 10, 2024)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Katie Wagner drives to the basket in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, March 10, 2024)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/pittsburg-state/boxscore/13059">BOX SCORE</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State struggled hitting shots early and tried to battle out of a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, but a late comeback rally came up short as Pittsburg State claimed the MIAA Tournament title on Sunday with a 63-53 victory. FHSU is now 24-7 overall, while PSU also moved to 24-7 overall.The Tigers were ranked No. 3 in the Central Region rankings the last two weeks. The NCAA selection show will be at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night on NCAA.com.Katie Wagner&nbsp;hit the opening bucket of the game, a corner 3-point field goal to give the Tigers the early lead, but then the offense went cold for a while, going through a 2-of-13 spell from the field the rest of the first quarter. That allowed the Gorillas to build a 15-7 advantage by the end of the first quarter.Despite the early offensive struggles, the Tigers made some progress in the second quarter by holding the Gorillas to just one field goal in the frame. Down 10, the Tigers started to chip away and got the lead back to four before the Gorillas took a five-point advantage to halftime of 26-21. The Tigers had only three players score in the first half, led by Wagner with 10. Sydney Golladay&nbsp;had six and Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;had five.The Tigers cut the lead to three a pair of times early in the third quarter before Grace Pyle hit one of her big 3-point shots in the game to hold off a Tiger charge. That triggered a 10-0 run by the Gorillas over about a span of four minutes that pushed the lead up to 13. That was the margin heading into the fourth quarter with Pitt State up 42-29.Fort Hays State put on a frantic full-court press effort in the final three minutes of the game and had Pittsburg State rattled in trying to bring the ball up the floor. Down 10, Wagner hit a pair of free throws to cut the margin to eight, then a turnover set up a Golladay 3-point field goal to cut the margin to five. The teams traded two points each, but then Hollenbeck created a steal near midcourt and Katie Wagner&nbsp;raced ahead for what looked to be a chance for an and-one opportunity as a foul was called as she made the fast-break bucket. However, a charging foul was called and it wiped off the basket as FHSU was possibly on the verge of cutting the lead to two with about 1:20 to play. Pyle then hit a dagger 3-pointer to make the lead eight and put the game away for the Gorillas.Ultimately, a tough shooting day was too much for the Tigers to overcome. They shot just 31.7 percent from the field. Pittsburg State hit 42.2 percent of its field goal attempts and made two more 3-point field goals (6 for PSU to 4 for FHSU). The free-throw line is where the Gorillas won the game, hitting 19 compared to 11 for FHSU. The Gorillas had eight more attempts at the line than the Tigers.Katie Wagner&nbsp;finished with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds to earn the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;was also on the all-tournament team, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds. Golladay joined Wagner in double figures scoring with 15 points for the game.Macie Mays led the Gorillas with 17 points and went 8-of-8 at the free-throw line. Pyle was 6-of-6 at the stripe and hit three 3-point field goals to finish with 15 points. Karenna Gerber had 10 points.Fort Hays State now looks for an at-large selection for the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament next week. Site host and matchups will be announced during the NCAA selection show on Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.

🏀 Comeback effort falls short for FHSU women in MIAA title game

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=12895">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team was able to pick up a sweep against the Northeastern State Riverhawks. Fort Hays State improves to 17-6 on the year and 5-4 in MIAA play, while the Riverhawks are now 10-13 overall and 1-8 in conference action.

Trevor Baugh took the mound as the starting pitcher and immediately set the tone for the game with his exceptional command and precision. In the first inning, Baugh demonstrated his ability to control the game, shutting down Northeastern State's offense and allowing no runs to cross the plate. His composed demeanor and effective pitch selection kept the opposing hitters off balance, laying the groundwork for the Tigers' dominant performance.

Fort Hays State's second inning saw Shaun Gomez&nbsp;single to right field, driving in sophomore second baseman, Jose Cintron, who had stolen second base earlier that inning. Sebastian Burgos'&nbsp;single up the middle, allowed Shaun Gomez&nbsp;to score, and then Trey DeGarmo's sacrifice fly brought Burgos home. Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;was able to tack on an extra base hit to left field that plated both Isaiah Ural&nbsp;and Burgos giving Fort Hays State a commanding 5-0 lead at the end of two.

Northeastern State's Matt Kaiser homered to left center and was able to bring in Isaiah Keller, putting Northeastern State on the board with two runs. Fort Hays State put two more on the board in the bottom of the sixth with an Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;single. The hit by Herrmann drove in Isaiah Ural and Brady Kreutzer, extending the lead to 7-2.

Kreutzer&nbsp;was also able to go deep in the seventh that brought in Sebastian Burgos, pushing the Tiger lead to 9-2. The seventh inning home run by Kreutzer was his fifth of the season along with his 20th RBI. Gomez&nbsp;was able to single to left field that brought Herrmann&nbsp;home, followed by a Burgos&nbsp;single through the left side, allowing Justin LIpkka&nbsp;and Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;to score, sealing the Tiger victory with a final score of 11-2.

Herrmann&nbsp;had himself a game, going 3-4 with four RBI on the day. The Tigers had five players get two or more hits on the day as the Tigers had 14 hits scoring 11 total runs in the final match of the series.

Baugh&nbsp;went seven innings allowing just two earned runs and striking out 13 batters. Spencer Maley&nbsp;came into the game for the last two innings and went 1-2-3 in both innings.

Fort Hays State will travel to Wichita, Kan. for one game against the Newman Jets, and then head south to Edmond, Okla. to face off in a three-game series against the Bronchos. Newman's match is set for Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710122844431.jpeg" alt="Bill Sabo, CSU-Pueblo" />
 <figcaption>Bill Sabo, CSU-Pueblo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=12895">BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team was able to pick up a sweep against the Northeastern State Riverhawks. Fort Hays State improves to 17-6 on the year and 5-4 in MIAA play, while the Riverhawks are now 10-13 overall and 1-8 in conference action.Trevor Baugh took the mound as the starting pitcher and immediately set the tone for the game with his exceptional command and precision. In the first inning, Baugh demonstrated his ability to control the game, shutting down Northeastern State's offense and allowing no runs to cross the plate. His composed demeanor and effective pitch selection kept the opposing hitters off balance, laying the groundwork for the Tigers' dominant performance.Fort Hays State's second inning saw Shaun Gomez&nbsp;single to right field, driving in sophomore second baseman, Jose Cintron, who had stolen second base earlier that inning. Sebastian Burgos'&nbsp;single up the middle, allowed Shaun Gomez&nbsp;to score, and then Trey DeGarmo's sacrifice fly brought Burgos home. Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;was able to tack on an extra base hit to left field that plated both Isaiah Ural&nbsp;and Burgos giving Fort Hays State a commanding 5-0 lead at the end of two.Northeastern State's Matt Kaiser homered to left center and was able to bring in Isaiah Keller, putting Northeastern State on the board with two runs. Fort Hays State put two more on the board in the bottom of the sixth with an Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;single. The hit by Herrmann drove in Isaiah Ural and Brady Kreutzer, extending the lead to 7-2.Kreutzer&nbsp;was also able to go deep in the seventh that brought in Sebastian Burgos, pushing the Tiger lead to 9-2. The seventh inning home run by Kreutzer was his fifth of the season along with his 20th RBI. Gomez&nbsp;was able to single to left field that brought Herrmann&nbsp;home, followed by a Burgos&nbsp;single through the left side, allowing Justin LIpkka&nbsp;and Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;to score, sealing the Tiger victory with a final score of 11-2.Herrmann&nbsp;had himself a game, going 3-4 with four RBI on the day. The Tigers had five players get two or more hits on the day as the Tigers had 14 hits scoring 11 total runs in the final match of the series.Baugh&nbsp;went seven innings allowing just two earned runs and striking out 13 batters. Spencer Maley&nbsp;came into the game for the last two innings and went 1-2-3 in both innings.UP NEXTFort Hays State will travel to Wichita, Kan. for one game against the Newman Jets, and then head south to Edmond, Okla. to face off in a three-game series against the Bronchos. Newman's match is set for Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Baugh pitches gem as Tigers sweep Riverhawks

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State fell in both games of a doubleheader at Northwest Missouri State on Sunday. The Bearcats won by scores of 6-1 and 3-0, improving to 12-10 (3-1 MIAA) on the season. FHSU is now 9-11 (0-4 MIAA).

Game 1: Northwest Missouri State 6, Fort Hays State 1 Northwest Missouri State generated all of its runs on three two-run home runs. Two of those home runs came from Sophie Mayhugh in the second and fourth innings. Lauren Gray added another in the sixth.

Fort Hays State scored its only run in the fifth inning. Singles by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/7747">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7750">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;and then a sacrifice bunt by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7739">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;set up an RBI single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/adysen-burghart/7737">Adysen Burghart</a>. FHSU finished the game with five hits all scattered among different players.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7741">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;threw 3.0 innings and allowed six hits. She struck out four.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7738">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;relieved for 3.0 innings and allowed three hits, while striking out one. Jaidyn Streigle threw a complete game for the Bearcats with two strikeouts.

Game 2: Northwest Missouri State 3, Fort Hays State 0 The Bearcats hit their fourth home run of the day to produce the first run of game two, a solo shot by Skylar Pieper in the fourth inning. NWMSU added another pair of runs in the fifth with a sac fly RBI and an RBI single.

The Tigers scratched out five hits for the second-straight game, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7749">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;with two.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/7748">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;threw a complete game for the Tigers with five strikeouts, while allowing seven hits and a walk.

Hayden Simmons earned the win for Northwest Missouri State with 11 strikeouts in 6.0 innings of work. Olivia Moyer picked up a save with a pair of strikeouts in one inning of work.

Fort Hays State is set to play its first home games of the season on Wednesday with a doubleheader against Rockhurst University. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710122953363.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State fell in both games of a doubleheader at Northwest Missouri State on Sunday. The Bearcats won by scores of 6-1 and 3-0, improving to 12-10 (3-1 MIAA) on the season. FHSU is now 9-11 (0-4 MIAA).Game 1: Northwest Missouri State 6, Fort Hays State 1 Northwest Missouri State generated all of its runs on three two-run home runs. Two of those home runs came from Sophie Mayhugh in the second and fourth innings. Lauren Gray added another in the sixth.Fort Hays State scored its only run in the fifth inning. Singles by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/7747">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7750">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;and then a sacrifice bunt by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7739">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;set up an RBI single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/adysen-burghart/7737">Adysen Burghart</a>. FHSU finished the game with five hits all scattered among different players.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7741">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;threw 3.0 innings and allowed six hits. She struck out four.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7738">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;relieved for 3.0 innings and allowed three hits, while striking out one. Jaidyn Streigle threw a complete game for the Bearcats with two strikeouts.Game 2: Northwest Missouri State 3, Fort Hays State 0 The Bearcats hit their fourth home run of the day to produce the first run of game two, a solo shot by Skylar Pieper in the fourth inning. NWMSU added another pair of runs in the fifth with a sac fly RBI and an RBI single.The Tigers scratched out five hits for the second-straight game, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7749">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;with two.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/7748">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;threw a complete game for the Tigers with five strikeouts, while allowing seven hits and a walk.Hayden Simmons earned the win for Northwest Missouri State with 11 strikeouts in 6.0 innings of work. Olivia Moyer picked up a save with a pair of strikeouts in one inning of work.Fort Hays State is set to play its first home games of the season on Wednesday with a doubleheader against Rockhurst University. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers fall twice to Bearcats in Maryville

Sunday, 3/10
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. Pittsburg State,12:35pm

Sunday, 3/10
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. Pittsburg State,12:35pm

&nbsp;Fort Hays State (24-6) vs. Pittsburg State (23-7) Sunday, March 10, 2024 • 1 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. • Municipal Auditorium

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

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will play in the title game of the 2024 MIAA Basketball Championship, presented by Southern Bank, Sunday when the Tigers take on Pittsburg State beginning at 1 p.m. inside historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The third-seeded Tigers (24-6) are playing in their sixth title game and are in search of their third conference tournament trophy, while the fifth-seeded Gorillas (23-7) are 0-2 in MIAA championship games.

Fort Hays State beat Pittsburg State twice in the regular season, holding the Gorillas to their two lowest-scoring games of the season. FHSU limited the MIAA's top-scoring offense to 49 points in Hays and 53 points in Pittsburg. The next-lowest scoring game for the Gorillas this season was 59 points.

The Tigers secured their spot in the title game with a 56-49 win over Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, while Pittsburg State recorded a convincing 75-55 win over regular season champion Missouri Western.

FHSU reached 20 wins for a 13th-consecutive season this year, extending the longest active streak in DII to 13 (since 2011-12). It's tied for the seventh-longest across all NCAA Divisions. The next-best streak in DII is 11 (Drury), while the next-best streak in the MIAA is three (MWSU, MSSU).

Katie Wagner&nbsp;has scored 148 points in 10 career games in the MIAA Championship tournament, 10th-most in a career in tournament history. She is just 24 points away from tying for third on the list (Full list page 5).Wagner moved into fourth on the all-time scoring list at FHSU, now with 1,673 career points. With 934 career rebounds, she is 26 boards away from tying for second all-time at FHSU. Her 179 career steals are tied for 10th-most in program history.

Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;&nbsp;blocked two shots on Saturday, giving the Lincoln, Neb. native 166 career blocks, tied for second most in school history. She now sits in 11th all-time at FHSU in scoring with 1,369 points, 27 behind Whitney Randall for 10th.

Sydney Golladay&nbsp;has 348 assists in her career, seventh-most in team history.

Jessie Sallach&nbsp;hit a career-high four 3-pointers Saturday against NWMSU. After hitting one 3-pointer in seven of her first 117 games as a Tiger, the forward has now buried multiple triples in each of the last three games.

The Tigers are playing in their fifth title game over the last seven years, two more than any other school during that span.

Fort Hays State has won eight of its last 10 games in the MIAA Championship tournament.

Wagner averages 16.0 points per game in six matchups against Pittsburg State, scoring in double figures five times, scoring 20 or more twice and scoring 30 once. Hollenbeck averages 13.3 points per game in six games against the Gorillas, including an average of 17.5 ppg in the two meetings this year.

Fort Hays State is 22-12 all-time in the MIAA tournament, 17-11 in Municipal Auditorium, 2-1 against Pittsburg State, 2-3 in the championship game, 5-2 as the No. 3 seed and 1-0 against the No. 5 seed.

Fort Hays State leads the all-time series, 36-29. The Tigers are 2-1 against the Gorillas on a neutral floor. FHSU is 2-1 against Pittsburg State in the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers are on a two-game winning streak after sweeping the season series.

After finishing the season with two losses in their final two games, the Gorillas are playing in their third MIAA title game thanks to wins over Missouri Southern (73-65) in the quarterfinals and No. 18 Missouri Western (75-55) in the semifinals. The Gorillas are 0-2 all-time in the championship game and are 14-32 all-time in the tournament. This is their 33rd trip to the MIAA Championship tournament. Pittsburg State leads the MIAA in offense, averaging 76.8 points per game. They are second in field-goal percentage, hitting .488 from the floor.

The Gorillas turn the ball over more than any team in the league, averaging 14.2 turnovers per contest. They also rank last in the league with a -3.47 turnover margin and second-to-last with an assist/turnover ratio of 0.96. Karenna Gerber (16.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.8 bpg) and Grace Pyle (15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.8 apg) were both first team All-MIAA selections, with Harper Schreiner (7.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.6 spg) garnering honorable mention accolades.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710075816138.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics&nbsp;Fort Hays State (24-6) vs. Pittsburg State (23-7) Sunday, March 10, 2024 • 1 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. • Municipal AuditoriumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will play in the title game of the 2024 MIAA Basketball Championship, presented by Southern Bank, Sunday when the Tigers take on Pittsburg State beginning at 1 p.m. inside historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The third-seeded Tigers (24-6) are playing in their sixth title game and are in search of their third conference tournament trophy, while the fifth-seeded Gorillas (23-7) are 0-2 in MIAA championship games.Fort Hays State beat Pittsburg State twice in the regular season, holding the Gorillas to their two lowest-scoring games of the season. FHSU limited the MIAA's top-scoring offense to 49 points in Hays and 53 points in Pittsburg. The next-lowest scoring game for the Gorillas this season was 59 points.The Tigers secured their spot in the title game with a 56-49 win over Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, while Pittsburg State recorded a convincing 75-55 win over regular season champion Missouri Western.FHSU reached 20 wins for a 13th-consecutive season this year, extending the longest active streak in DII to 13 (since 2011-12). It's tied for the seventh-longest across all NCAA Divisions. The next-best streak in DII is 11 (Drury), while the next-best streak in the MIAA is three (MWSU, MSSU).Katie Wagner&nbsp;has scored 148 points in 10 career games in the MIAA Championship tournament, 10th-most in a career in tournament history. She is just 24 points away from tying for third on the list (Full list page 5).Wagner moved into fourth on the all-time scoring list at FHSU, now with 1,673 career points. With 934 career rebounds, she is 26 boards away from tying for second all-time at FHSU. Her 179 career steals are tied for 10th-most in program history.Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;&nbsp;blocked two shots on Saturday, giving the Lincoln, Neb. native 166 career blocks, tied for second most in school history. She now sits in 11th all-time at FHSU in scoring with 1,369 points, 27 behind Whitney Randall for 10th.Sydney Golladay&nbsp;has 348 assists in her career, seventh-most in team history.Jessie Sallach&nbsp;hit a career-high four 3-pointers Saturday against NWMSU. After hitting one 3-pointer in seven of her first 117 games as a Tiger, the forward has now buried multiple triples in each of the last three games.The Tigers are playing in their fifth title game over the last seven years, two more than any other school during that span.Fort Hays State has won eight of its last 10 games in the MIAA Championship tournament.Wagner averages 16.0 points per game in six matchups against Pittsburg State, scoring in double figures five times, scoring 20 or more twice and scoring 30 once. Hollenbeck averages 13.3 points per game in six games against the Gorillas, including an average of 17.5 ppg in the two meetings this year.Fort Hays State is 22-12 all-time in the MIAA tournament, 17-11 in Municipal Auditorium, 2-1 against Pittsburg State, 2-3 in the championship game, 5-2 as the No. 3 seed and 1-0 against the No. 5 seed.Fort Hays State leads the all-time series, 36-29. The Tigers are 2-1 against the Gorillas on a neutral floor. FHSU is 2-1 against Pittsburg State in the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers are on a two-game winning streak after sweeping the season series.After finishing the season with two losses in their final two games, the Gorillas are playing in their third MIAA title game thanks to wins over Missouri Southern (73-65) in the quarterfinals and No. 18 Missouri Western (75-55) in the semifinals. The Gorillas are 0-2 all-time in the championship game and are 14-32 all-time in the tournament. This is their 33rd trip to the MIAA Championship tournament. Pittsburg State leads the MIAA in offense, averaging 76.8 points per game. They are second in field-goal percentage, hitting .488 from the floor.The Gorillas turn the ball over more than any team in the league, averaging 14.2 turnovers per contest. They also rank last in the league with a -3.47 turnover margin and second-to-last with an assist/turnover ratio of 0.96. Karenna Gerber (16.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.8 bpg) and Grace Pyle (15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.8 apg) were both first team All-MIAA selections, with Harper Schreiner (7.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.6 spg) garnering honorable mention accolades.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - FHSU women take on Gorillas in MIAA title game

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=13060">BOX SCORE</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After shooting lights out against Central Oklahoma in the quarterfinals, Pittsburg State did it again to Fort Hays State in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament on Saturday night (March 9). Pittsburg State hit 14-of-20 3-point field goal attempts on its way to a 69-51 victory over FHSU. Fort Hays State is now 23-7 overall, while Pittsburg State moved to 21-9 overall.

The red-hot shooting Gorillas combined with a Tiger team struggling to hit shots in the first eight and a half minutes of the game equated into a 19-0 run to start the game for the Gorillas. A Conner Landell&nbsp;stick-back bucket at the 11:30 mark finally got the Tigers on the board, but it was a very large uphill climb from there and the Tigers never could get close enough to scare the Gorillas.

The nation's top defensive team was finally able to slow down the Gorillas just a bit, but could never generate enough offense to get the lead back inside of 12 points. The Gorillas led 37-21 at the half and then outscored the Tigers by just two in the second half.

The Gorillas hit 11-of-21 (.524) 3-point field goal attempts against UCO in their quarterfinal on Friday night, and then upped their percentage to .700 on Saturday night against the Tigers. In the two games, PSU is 25-of-41 from long range (.610).More than half of PSU's field goals were 3-pointers as it finished with 23 made field goals. The Gorillas shot 53.5 percent overall for the game. On the flip side, FHSU had one of its worst shooting nights of the year at 33.9 percent overall, including just 15.8 percent from 3-point range

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;led the Tigers with 10 points, followed by Landell and R.J. Crawford&nbsp;each with eight. Landell led the Tigers in rebounds with seven.

R.J. Forney was a perfect 5-of-5 from 3-point range and Tanner Mans was 4-of-4, getting all of their 27 points combined on 3-point field goals. Jeramy Shaw and Deshaun English II each had 17 points, combining for the other five 3-point field goals.

Fort Hays State will now await the NCAA selection show on Sunday night (March 10) at 10 p.m. on NCAA.com. The Tigers were No. 5 in each of the last two Central Region rankings released by the NCAA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710075649662.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Conner Landell attampts a shot against Pittsburg State's Deshaun English II in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, March 9, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Conner Landell attampts a shot against Pittsburg State's Deshaun English II in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, March 9, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. (FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=13060">BOX SCORE</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After shooting lights out against Central Oklahoma in the quarterfinals, Pittsburg State did it again to Fort Hays State in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament on Saturday night (March 9). Pittsburg State hit 14-of-20 3-point field goal attempts on its way to a 69-51 victory over FHSU. Fort Hays State is now 23-7 overall, while Pittsburg State moved to 21-9 overall.The red-hot shooting Gorillas combined with a Tiger team struggling to hit shots in the first eight and a half minutes of the game equated into a 19-0 run to start the game for the Gorillas. A Conner Landell&nbsp;stick-back bucket at the 11:30 mark finally got the Tigers on the board, but it was a very large uphill climb from there and the Tigers never could get close enough to scare the Gorillas.The nation's top defensive team was finally able to slow down the Gorillas just a bit, but could never generate enough offense to get the lead back inside of 12 points. The Gorillas led 37-21 at the half and then outscored the Tigers by just two in the second half.The Gorillas hit 11-of-21 (.524) 3-point field goal attempts against UCO in their quarterfinal on Friday night, and then upped their percentage to .700 on Saturday night against the Tigers. In the two games, PSU is 25-of-41 from long range (.610).More than half of PSU's field goals were 3-pointers as it finished with 23 made field goals. The Gorillas shot 53.5 percent overall for the game. On the flip side, FHSU had one of its worst shooting nights of the year at 33.9 percent overall, including just 15.8 percent from 3-point rangeKaleb Hammeke&nbsp;led the Tigers with 10 points, followed by Landell and R.J. Crawford&nbsp;each with eight. Landell led the Tigers in rebounds with seven.R.J. Forney was a perfect 5-of-5 from 3-point range and Tanner Mans was 4-of-4, getting all of their 27 points combined on 3-point field goals. Jeramy Shaw and Deshaun English II each had 17 points, combining for the other five 3-point field goals.Fort Hays State will now await the NCAA selection show on Sunday night (March 10) at 10 p.m. on NCAA.com. The Tigers were No. 5 in each of the last two Central Region rankings released by the NCAA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Hot-shooting Gorillas take down Tigers in MIAA semifinals

Class 6A Championship SM Northwest 47, Wichita Heights 39 Third Place Mill Valley 73, Wichita Northwest 58

Class 5A Championship Kapaun Mount Carmel 62, KC Piper 59 Third Place Highland Park 66, Maize South 55

Class 4A Championship McPherson 65, Hugoton 59, OT Third Place Atchison 61, Baldwin 50

Class 3A Championship Wellsville 68, Goodland 58 Third Place Beloit 51, Southeast of Saline 37

Class 2A Championship Moundridge 58, Lyndon 44 Third Place Salina Sacred Heart 58, Sterling 51

Class 1A, Division 1 Championship South Gray 76, Bishop Seabury 63 Third Place Olpe 46, Quinter 32

Class 1A, Division 2 Championship Cunningham 60, Lebo 55 Third Place Axtell 80, Dighton 72

Class 6A Championship SM South 47, Washburn Rural 37 Third Place BV North 72, Derby 56

Class 5A Championship Topeka Seaman 54, Maize South 41 Third Place Andover 66, Emporia 49

Class 4A Championship Wellington 75, Bishop Miege 62 Third Place McPherson 57, Fort Scott 50

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709736782254.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>BOYS KSHSAA STATE TOURNAMENTClass 6A Championship SM Northwest 47, Wichita Heights 39 Third Place Mill Valley 73, Wichita Northwest 58Class 5A Championship Kapaun Mount Carmel 62, KC Piper 59 Third Place Highland Park 66, Maize South 55Class 4A Championship McPherson 65, Hugoton 59, OT Third Place Atchison 61, Baldwin 50Class 3A Championship Wellsville 68, Goodland 58 Third Place Beloit 51, Southeast of Saline 37Class 2A Championship Moundridge 58, Lyndon 44 Third Place Salina Sacred Heart 58, Sterling 51Class 1A, Division 1 Championship South Gray 76, Bishop Seabury 63 Third Place Olpe 46, Quinter 32Class 1A, Division 2 Championship Cunningham 60, Lebo 55 Third Place Axtell 80, Dighton 72GIRLS KSHSAA STATE TOURNAMENTClass 6A Championship SM South 47, Washburn Rural 37 Third Place BV North 72, Derby 56Class 5A Championship Topeka Seaman 54, Maize South 41 Third Place Andover 66, Emporia 49Class 4A Championship Wellington 75, Bishop Miege 62 Third Place McPherson 57, Fort Scott 50Class 3A Championship Silver Lake 66, Hesston 61 Third Place Topeka Hayden 50, Goodland 39Class 2A Championship Wichita Independent 58, Riverside 39 Third Place Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 58, Valley Heights 47Class 1A, Division 1 Championship Frankfort 47, Little River 41 Third Place Centralia 58, South Gray 52Class 1A, Division 2 Championship Hanover 50, Lebo 35 Third Place Wallace County 62, Northern Valley 46

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