KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team had two student-athletes earn All-MIAA honors for their performance during the 2024 season, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;picking up second-team recognition and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;receiving honorable mention status.

Rains earned all-conference honors for a second year in a row after picking up an honorable mention nod last year. The junior outside hitter finished the regular season with 340 kills, second-most in the MIAA. She ranked fourth in the league in kills per set (3.43) and was eighth in points per set (3.65). The Maize, Kan. native reached double figures in kills 19 times in 25 matches, including three matches with at least 20 kills and a season-high of 23 kills in a win over Truman State. Playing in all 99 sets for the Tigers this year, Rains also contributed 83 digs, 32 blocks and three service aces.

This is the first All-MIAA award for Stucky. The junior setter ranked fifth in the conference in both total assists and assists per set, distributing 832 assists over 96 sets for an average of 8.67 per set. She ranked third on the team with 50 blocks, ranked fourth with an average of 1.90 digs per set and was sixth on the team with 124 total points. The Wichita, Kan. native accumulated 79 kills, 18 service aces and 182 digs. She reached double figures in assists 24 times, including 17 matches with at least 30 kills, 11 matches with at least 40 assists and a season-high 53 assists in a win over Arkansas-Fort Smith. Stucky notched five double-doubles on the year, including one with a career-high 20 digs in a win over Southwest Baptist.

Rains, Stucky and the rest of the FHSU volleyball team will play in the postseason for the first time since 2021 on Thursday (Nov. 21) when they take on Nebraska-Kearney in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 MIAA Championship Tournament. First serve is set for 5 p.m. from St. Joseph, Mo.

2024 MIAA VOLLEYBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Addison Wimmer, Central Oklahoma, OH, Sr. CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Lily Kurz, Missouri Western, MB, Sr. CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alli Wiess, Nebraska Kearney, L, Gr. HITTER OF THE YEAR: Mia Berg, Nebraska Kearney, So. SETTER OF THE YEAR: Peyton Neff, Nebraska Kearney, Gr.* LIBERO OF THE YEAR: Alli Wiess, Nebraska Kearney, Gr. FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Rayishon Jackman, Emporia State, OH COACH OF THE YEAR: Rick Squiers, Nebraska Kearney*Indicates Unanimous Selection

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Huck – Central Oklahoma OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Asha Regier – Nebraska Kearney OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jalyn Stevenson – Washburn OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Addison Wimmer – Central Oklahoma* OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weronika Wrzesinska – Emporia State* RS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Russell – Missouri Western* MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mia Berg – Nebraska Kearney MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Abby Brunssen – Northwest Missouri* MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenna Karp – Central Oklahoma S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lindsey Houran – Central Oklahoma S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nessa Johnson – Missouri Western S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Peyton Neff – Nebraska Kearney* L/DS&nbsp; &nbsp;Katie Le – Central Oklahoma L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Alli Wiess – Nebraska Kearney* *Indicates Unanimous Selection

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maya Fergerson – Central Missouri OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Holly Heldt – Missouri Western OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rayishon Jackman – Emporia State OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Payton Kirchhoefer – Northwest Missouri OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emilee Lane – Nebraska Kearney OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alex Dvorak – Washburn MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elinor Engel – Central Missouri MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emma Salker – Missouri Western MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rachel Ziesman – Central Missouri S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Corinna McMullen – Washburn L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Kyah Luhring – Northwest Missouri L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Rottinghaus – Washburn L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Anna Weberg – Missouri Western

ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION Arkansas Fort Smith – Morgan Creer, RS; Caelyn Gunn, OH; Nyia Anderson, OH; Kaelyn McDonald, MB Central Oklahoma – Mikaela Garvin, OH; Lari Migliorino, MB Emporia State – Camilla Ossola, OH/RS; Brailee Bogle, S Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>, S Missouri Southern – Kyla Randall, L Missouri Western – Emily Loy, OH/RS Nebraska Kearney – Lauren Taubenheim, OH; Abby Rose, MB Newman – Oziomia Ajekwu, MB Northwest Missouri – Ella Caffery, S Pittsburg State – Josie McCroskey, L/DS Washburn – Austin Broadie, OH; Bella Limback, MB&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732131194521.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team had two student-athletes earn All-MIAA honors for their performance during the 2024 season, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;picking up second-team recognition and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;receiving honorable mention status.Rains earned all-conference honors for a second year in a row after picking up an honorable mention nod last year. The junior outside hitter finished the regular season with 340 kills, second-most in the MIAA. She ranked fourth in the league in kills per set (3.43) and was eighth in points per set (3.65). The Maize, Kan. native reached double figures in kills 19 times in 25 matches, including three matches with at least 20 kills and a season-high of 23 kills in a win over Truman State. Playing in all 99 sets for the Tigers this year, Rains also contributed 83 digs, 32 blocks and three service aces.This is the first All-MIAA award for Stucky. The junior setter ranked fifth in the conference in both total assists and assists per set, distributing 832 assists over 96 sets for an average of 8.67 per set. She ranked third on the team with 50 blocks, ranked fourth with an average of 1.90 digs per set and was sixth on the team with 124 total points. The Wichita, Kan. native accumulated 79 kills, 18 service aces and 182 digs. She reached double figures in assists 24 times, including 17 matches with at least 30 kills, 11 matches with at least 40 assists and a season-high 53 assists in a win over Arkansas-Fort Smith. Stucky notched five double-doubles on the year, including one with a career-high 20 digs in a win over Southwest Baptist.Rains, Stucky and the rest of the FHSU volleyball team will play in the postseason for the first time since 2021 on Thursday (Nov. 21) when they take on Nebraska-Kearney in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 MIAA Championship Tournament. First serve is set for 5 p.m. from St. Joseph, Mo.2024 MIAA VOLLEYBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Addison Wimmer, Central Oklahoma, OH, Sr. CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Lily Kurz, Missouri Western, MB, Sr. CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alli Wiess, Nebraska Kearney, L, Gr. HITTER OF THE YEAR: Mia Berg, Nebraska Kearney, So. SETTER OF THE YEAR: Peyton Neff, Nebraska Kearney, Gr.* LIBERO OF THE YEAR: Alli Wiess, Nebraska Kearney, Gr. FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Rayishon Jackman, Emporia State, OH COACH OF THE YEAR: Rick Squiers, Nebraska Kearney*Indicates Unanimous SelectionALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Huck – Central Oklahoma OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Asha Regier – Nebraska Kearney OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jalyn Stevenson – Washburn OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Addison Wimmer – Central Oklahoma* OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weronika Wrzesinska – Emporia State* RS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Russell – Missouri Western* MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mia Berg – Nebraska Kearney MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Abby Brunssen – Northwest Missouri* MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenna Karp – Central Oklahoma S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lindsey Houran – Central Oklahoma S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nessa Johnson – Missouri Western S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Peyton Neff – Nebraska Kearney* L/DS&nbsp; &nbsp;Katie Le – Central Oklahoma L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Alli Wiess – Nebraska Kearney* *Indicates Unanimous SelectionALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maya Fergerson – Central Missouri OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Holly Heldt – Missouri Western OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rayishon Jackman – Emporia State OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Payton Kirchhoefer – Northwest Missouri OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emilee Lane – Nebraska Kearney OH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7948">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alex Dvorak – Washburn MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elinor Engel – Central Missouri MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emma Salker – Missouri Western MB&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rachel Ziesman – Central Missouri S&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Corinna McMullen – Washburn L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Kyah Luhring – Northwest Missouri L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Rottinghaus – Washburn L/DS&nbsp;&nbsp; Anna Weberg – Missouri WesternALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION Arkansas Fort Smith – Morgan Creer, RS; Caelyn Gunn, OH; Nyia Anderson, OH; Kaelyn McDonald, MB Central Oklahoma – Mikaela Garvin, OH; Lari Migliorino, MB Emporia State – Camilla Ossola, OH/RS; Brailee Bogle, S Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7954">Caiya Stucky</a>, S Missouri Southern – Kyla Randall, L Missouri Western – Emily Loy, OH/RS Nebraska Kearney – Lauren Taubenheim, OH; Abby Rose, MB Newman – Oziomia Ajekwu, MB Northwest Missouri – Ella Caffery, S Pittsburg State – Josie McCroskey, L/DS Washburn – Austin Broadie, OH; Bella Limback, MB&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 FHSU's Rains, Stucky named to All-MIAA team

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the rare NFL teams that is getting healthier, and perhaps deeper, as the season progresses.

The biggest boost yet for the two-time defending Super Bowl champs could come Sunday, when the Chiefs hope to have running back Isiah Pacheco and pass rusher Charles Omenihu available against Carolina. Both spent last week working on the scout team and had no problems as they come back from injuries, and that makes it more likely that they are active this week.

“We'll see on both of those two,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said before heading out to practice Wednesday. “Go through practice and see where they're at this week and go from there. We'll just have to see.”

Pacheco has been out since Week 2, when he sustained an injury to his ankle requiring surgery. The Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt almost immediately afterward, and he has done a nice job filling in while Pacheco went through his rehab.

But now, the Chiefs could have both of them available, creating a two-headed attack of somewhat different skill sets.

Hunt is the quintessential between-the-tackle bruiser. He's had at least 14 carries in each of his seven games with Kansas City, twice surpassing 100 yards rushing.

Pacheco tends to run hard, too, but with more speed and explosiveness. That lends itself to bigger chunk plays, something that the Kansas City offense has been sorely missing. And his infectious energy and enthusiasm is also a contrast to the more quiet, reserved Hunt, and the Chiefs are eager to have that back on the sideline, too.

“I mean, listen, he's a sparkplug emotionally. He's something that way,” Reid acknowledged, “and he's worked his tail off to get to this point right now. We've got to keep an eye on him that way. He would have played three weeks ago if it was his choice.”

Indeed, the Chiefs — now 9-1 after a 31-20 loss in Buffalo — seem to be focused on protecting Pacheco from himself.

“It's going to be us trying to hold him back,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “He wants to be out there as much as possible. But at the same time, he wants to win. He knows the long-term goals we have.”

Meanwhile, the Chiefs hope to have Marquise Brown back on the practice field sometime in December. The wide receiver had surgery on his shoulder after sustaining an injury in a preseason game, and for a while it appeared to be a season-ender. But he has hammered his rehab, and it's possible that Brown could help the Chiefs at some point in the postseason.

"Making very good progress," Reid said. “I can't tell you a time he'll be back, but he's another one that's excited to get out here and get going. I appreciate the way he's approached this whole thing.”

The Chiefs have tried to upgrade their wide receiver group after losing Brown and Rashee Rice to injuries. The big splash was landing three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with Tennessee, but Chiefs general manager Brett Veach also has been scouring the waiver wire and even opposing practice squads for players that could provide additional depth.

The latest addition is wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who joined the practice squad after he was waived by the Patriots on Saturday.

Thornton was a second-round pick of New England in the 2022 draft, when many teams were tantalized by the 4.28-second 40-yard dash time he registered at the NFL scouting combine. But he struggled to live up to expectations, appearing in 28 games with just 13 starts and totaling 39 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns for the Patriots.

The Chiefs hope they can unlock his natural ability while supplying Mahomes with another player who can stretch the field.

“Obviously he has a good opportunity to come here,” said Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who played with Thornton in New England. “Young dude. Loves to work. Loves to stretch the field, too. He's excited to be in the building and get to work.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732187286717.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won 30-21. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the rare NFL teams that is getting healthier, and perhaps deeper, as the season progresses.The biggest boost yet for the two-time defending Super Bowl champs could come Sunday, when the Chiefs hope to have running back Isiah Pacheco and pass rusher Charles Omenihu available against Carolina. Both spent last week working on the scout team and had no problems as they come back from injuries, and that makes it more likely that they are active this week.“We'll see on both of those two,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said before heading out to practice Wednesday. “Go through practice and see where they're at this week and go from there. We'll just have to see.”Pacheco has been out since Week 2, when he sustained an injury to his ankle requiring surgery. The Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt almost immediately afterward, and he has done a nice job filling in while Pacheco went through his rehab.But now, the Chiefs could have both of them available, creating a two-headed attack of somewhat different skill sets.Hunt is the quintessential between-the-tackle bruiser. He's had at least 14 carries in each of his seven games with Kansas City, twice surpassing 100 yards rushing.Pacheco tends to run hard, too, but with more speed and explosiveness. That lends itself to bigger chunk plays, something that the Kansas City offense has been sorely missing. And his infectious energy and enthusiasm is also a contrast to the more quiet, reserved Hunt, and the Chiefs are eager to have that back on the sideline, too.“I mean, listen, he's a sparkplug emotionally. He's something that way,” Reid acknowledged, “and he's worked his tail off to get to this point right now. We've got to keep an eye on him that way. He would have played three weeks ago if it was his choice.”Indeed, the Chiefs — now 9-1 after a 31-20 loss in Buffalo — seem to be focused on protecting Pacheco from himself.“It's going to be us trying to hold him back,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “He wants to be out there as much as possible. But at the same time, he wants to win. He knows the long-term goals we have.”Meanwhile, the Chiefs hope to have Marquise Brown back on the practice field sometime in December. The wide receiver had surgery on his shoulder after sustaining an injury in a preseason game, and for a while it appeared to be a season-ender. But he has hammered his rehab, and it's possible that Brown could help the Chiefs at some point in the postseason."Making very good progress," Reid said. “I can't tell you a time he'll be back, but he's another one that's excited to get out here and get going. I appreciate the way he's approached this whole thing.”The Chiefs have tried to upgrade their wide receiver group after losing Brown and Rashee Rice to injuries. The big splash was landing three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with Tennessee, but Chiefs general manager Brett Veach also has been scouring the waiver wire and even opposing practice squads for players that could provide additional depth.The latest addition is wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who joined the practice squad after he was waived by the Patriots on Saturday.Thornton was a second-round pick of New England in the 2022 draft, when many teams were tantalized by the 4.28-second 40-yard dash time he registered at the NFL scouting combine. But he struggled to live up to expectations, appearing in 28 games with just 13 starts and totaling 39 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns for the Patriots.The Chiefs hope they can unlock his natural ability while supplying Mahomes with another player who can stretch the field.“Obviously he has a good opportunity to come here,” said Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who played with Thornton in New England. “Young dude. Loves to work. Loves to stretch the field, too. He's excited to be in the building and get to work.”

🏈 Chiefs could have Isiah Pacheco, Charles Omenihu back in time for Sunday's trip to Carolina

Wednesday, November 20
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold, 6:00pm

Friday, November 22
 KKQY: Hoxie FB at
South Central, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Goddard Eisenhower, 6:30pm
 KAYS: Victoria FB at Dighton, 6:45pm

Saturday, November 23
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Colorado, 1:00pm

Sunday, November 24
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at Carolina Panthers, 11:00am

Wednesday, November 20
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, November 21 noneFriday, November 22
 KKQY: Hoxie FB at
South Central, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Goddard Eisenhower, 6:30pm
 KAYS: Victoria FB at Dighton, 6:45pmSaturday, November 23
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Colorado, 1:00pmSunday, November 24
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at Carolina Panthers, 11:00am

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

Fort Hays State women's basketball hosts Adams State in their home opener on Friday, November 15, 2024 in a matchup of NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago.

Fort Hays State women's basketball hosts Adams State in their home opener on Friday, November 15, 2024 in a matchup of NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind: WBB vs. Adams State (November 15, 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=3qwki-1745f64-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: WBB vs. Adams State (November 15, 2024)

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS, Kan. – Shaun Riley scored a career-high 24 points and Kyle Grill added a career-best 21 along with a career-high 7 rebounds to lead Fort Hays State to a 76-52 win over South Dakota Mines in their home opener Tuesday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers (1-2) scored the game's first eight points and never trailed. The Hardrockers (0-5) pulled within three at 15-12 but FHSU pushed the lead to double-figures at 24-14 on a 3-point play from Riley. Freshman guard Aiden McDowell scored on a driving layup just before the horn to give FHSU a 34-24 halftime lead.

SDM cut the lead to eight&nbsp; several times early in the second half but a 17-7 FHSU run pushed the lead to 20. Peter Asceric hit a three to finish off the Tigers scoring.

Riley dominated in low for the Tigers, going 10-of-12 from the field. It was his second-straight game setting a new career high in points with FHSU after putting up 18 against Concordia St. Paul back on November 9. He also dished out five assists in the game.

Grill went 7-of-12 from the field and made a pair of 3-point field goals, while adding a 5-of-7 effort at the free-throw line. His seven rebounds led the team.

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;also reached double figures in scoring for the Tigers with 10, while adding a team-high seven assists.

Fort Hays State shot 58 percent from the field (29-of-50), while holding South Dakota Mines to just 37.8 percent overall.

Guillem Garcia had 13 points, the only player from South Dakota Mines to reach double figures.

Fort Hays State will have another week off before hosting Central Christian College on Tuesday (Nov. 26) in a contest at noon. For a second-straight year, Hays Elementary Schools will attend the game, which will create a unique atmosphere at the coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732076016764.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Kyle Grill drives to the basket in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against South Dakota Mines on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kyle Grill drives to the basket in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against South Dakota Mines on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS, Kan. – Shaun Riley scored a career-high 24 points and Kyle Grill added a career-best 21 along with a career-high 7 rebounds to lead Fort Hays State to a 76-52 win over South Dakota Mines in their home opener Tuesday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1962452499&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-coach-postgame-interview-vs-south-dakota-school-of-mines" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. South Dakota Mines (November 19, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. South Dakota Mines (November 19, 2024)</a></div></div>The Tigers (1-2) scored the game's first eight points and never trailed. The Hardrockers (0-5) pulled within three at 15-12 but FHSU pushed the lead to double-figures at 24-14 on a 3-point play from Riley. Freshman guard Aiden McDowell scored on a driving layup just before the horn to give FHSU a 34-24 halftime lead.SDM cut the lead to eight&nbsp; several times early in the second half but a 17-7 FHSU run pushed the lead to 20. Peter Asceric hit a three to finish off the Tigers scoring.Riley dominated in low for the Tigers, going 10-of-12 from the field. It was his second-straight game setting a new career high in points with FHSU after putting up 18 against Concordia St. Paul back on November 9. He also dished out five assists in the game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1962452683&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-shaun-riley-postgame-interview-vs-south-dakota-school-of-mines-november-19th-24" title="Shaun Riley Postgame vs. South Dakota Mines (November 19, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Shaun Riley Postgame vs. South Dakota Mines (November 19, 2024)</a></div></div>Grill went 7-of-12 from the field and made a pair of 3-point field goals, while adding a 5-of-7 effort at the free-throw line. His seven rebounds led the team.Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;also reached double figures in scoring for the Tigers with 10, while adding a team-high seven assists.Fort Hays State shot 58 percent from the field (29-of-50), while holding South Dakota Mines to just 37.8 percent overall.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1962452179&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-highlights-vs-south-dakota-school-of-mines-november-19th-24" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. South Dakota Mines (November 19, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. South Dakota Mines (November 19, 2024)</a></div></div>Guillem Garcia had 13 points, the only player from South Dakota Mines to reach double figures.UP NEXTFort Hays State will have another week off before hosting Central Christian College on Tuesday (Nov. 26) in a contest at noon. For a second-straight year, Hays Elementary Schools will attend the game, which will create a unique atmosphere at the coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Career nights from Riley and Grill lead Tigers to win in home opener

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 15 points and 15 rebounds, Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 16 points, and No. 1 Kansas shrugged off a sluggish start to beat UNC Wilmington 84-66 on Tuesday night and give Jayhawks coach Bill Self his 800th career win.

David Coit added 13 points and Zeke Mayo had 10 for the Jayhawks (5-0), who led 43-38 at halftime before going on a 12-2 run to start the second half. They stretched the lead to 20 and coasted to their 18th straight nonconference home win.

The Jayhawks next face No. 12 Duke in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday.

Khamari McGriff had 18 points and Noah Ross had 10 with nine boards for UNC Wilmington (4-1), which was picked to finish third in the Colonial Athletic Association after winning 21 games last season.

The Seahawks weren't intimidated by the 372nd straight sellout at Allen Fieldhouse. They beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena just last season. And while Kansas started the game with energy, UNC Wilmington matched it for the first 20 minutes. It wasn't until Harris led the Jayhawks' early second-half charge that they put the game away.

UNC Wilmington got just seven points from Donovan Newby. He had 20 in a recent win over USC Upstate.

Kansas lost freshman Flory Bidunga to an injury in the first half. He did not put any weight on his right leg as he was helped to the bench. He did not return. Bidunga's loss would be a big blow to the Jayhawks' interior depth.

Kansas roared out of halftime on the run that ultimately decided the game.

The Jayhawks won despite shooting 6 of 25 from 3-point range.

The Seahawks play Colgate on Nov. 27. The Jayhawks play the Blue Devils on Tuesday.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 15 points and 15 rebounds, Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 16 points, and No. 1 Kansas shrugged off a sluggish start to beat UNC Wilmington 84-66 on Tuesday night and give Jayhawks coach Bill Self his 800th career win.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">History made. <a href="https://t.co/jYdSuHOe7v">pic.twitter.com/jYdSuHOe7v</a>&mdash; Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops/status/1859070225657839705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>David Coit added 13 points and Zeke Mayo had 10 for the Jayhawks (5-0), who led 43-38 at halftime before going on a 12-2 run to start the second half. They stretched the lead to 20 and coasted to their 18th straight nonconference home win.The Jayhawks next face No. 12 Duke in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday.Khamari McGriff had 18 points and Noah Ross had 10 with nine boards for UNC Wilmington (4-1), which was picked to finish third in the Colonial Athletic Association after winning 21 games last season.The Seahawks weren't intimidated by the 372nd straight sellout at Allen Fieldhouse. They beat Kentucky at Rupp Arena just last season. And while Kansas started the game with energy, UNC Wilmington matched it for the first 20 minutes. It wasn't until Harris led the Jayhawks' early second-half charge that they put the game away.<h2>Takeaways</h2>UNC Wilmington got just seven points from Donovan Newby. He had 20 in a recent win over USC Upstate.Kansas lost freshman Flory Bidunga to an injury in the first half. He did not put any weight on his right leg as he was helped to the bench. He did not return. Bidunga's loss would be a big blow to the Jayhawks' interior depth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas roared out of halftime on the run that ultimately decided the game.<h2>Key stats</h2>The Jayhawks won despite shooting 6 of 25 from 3-point range.<h2>Up Next</h2>The Seahawks play Colgate on Nov. 27. The Jayhawks play the Blue Devils on Tuesday.___

🏀 No. 1 KU beats UNC Wilmington to give Bill Self 800th career win

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ugonna Onyenso came off the bench to score 16 points in 12 minutes and Kansas State shook off a poor first half to beat Mississippi Valley State 74-56 on Tuesday night.

On a night the Wildcats (3-1) shot just 36%, Onyenso was 6 of 7 from the floor and made all four of his free throws. C.J. Jones scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. David N’Guessan added 10 points while Coleman Hawkins, who was just 1-of-11 shooting with two points, grabbed 13 rebounds.

Arthur Tate scored 16 points and Antonio Sisk 15 for the Delta Devils (1-4).

The Wildcats led 25-23 at halftime, having been up by as many as 14, after shooting just 29% and 1 of 13 from 3-point range. They finished 3 of 23 from the arc but hit 25 of 27 free throws.

Brenden Hausen, averaging over 15 points a game for Kansas State, got his first points of the game and the Wildcats' first of the second half with a 3-pointer, and that started a 10-0 run. The lead reached 19 with seven minutes to go.

Mississippi Valley State made a final run to get within 10 but the Wildcats responded with nine straight points, the last four by N'Guessan, to push the lead back to 19.

In the first half, the Delta Devils got a pair of 3-pointers from Tate and five points from Donovan Sanders to outscore the Wildcats 16-4 over the final 4 1/2 minutes to tie before David Castillo's jumper at the end of the half gave the lead back to the Wildcats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732072855675.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ugonna Onyenso came off the bench to score 16 points in 12 minutes and Kansas State shook off a poor first half to beat Mississippi Valley State 74-56 on Tuesday night.On a night the Wildcats (3-1) shot just 36%, Onyenso was 6 of 7 from the floor and made all four of his free throws. C.J. Jones scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. David N’Guessan added 10 points while Coleman Hawkins, who was just 1-of-11 shooting with two points, grabbed 13 rebounds.Arthur Tate scored 16 points and Antonio Sisk 15 for the Delta Devils (1-4).The Wildcats led 25-23 at halftime, having been up by as many as 14, after shooting just 29% and 1 of 13 from 3-point range. They finished 3 of 23 from the arc but hit 25 of 27 free throws.Brenden Hausen, averaging over 15 points a game for Kansas State, got his first points of the game and the Wildcats' first of the second half with a 3-pointer, and that started a 10-0 run. The lead reached 19 with seven minutes to go.Mississippi Valley State made a final run to get within 10 but the Wildcats responded with nine straight points, the last four by N'Guessan, to push the lead back to 19.In the first half, the Delta Devils got a pair of 3-pointers from Tate and five points from Donovan Sanders to outscore the Wildcats 16-4 over the final 4 1/2 minutes to tie before David Castillo's jumper at the end of the half gave the lead back to the Wildcats.

🏀 Onyenso sparks Kansas State in win over Mississippi Valley State

LILBURN, Ga. - After a 4-0 start to the season, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team jumped six spots to No. 17 in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association.

Fort Hays State netted 236 points in the balloting process this week, up from 107 points in the preseason poll.

The Tigers are one of three MIAA teams in this week's top 25, joined by No. 13 Pittsburg State and No. 18 Northwest Missouri State. Two other regional opponents, both from the NSIC, are also in the ranks this week, including No. 6 Minnesota State and No. 25 Concordia-St. Paul.

Texas Woman's University is the new No. 1 in DII women's basketball, up one spot after defending national champion Minnesota State lost to Northwest Missouri State.

This is the third time FHSU has been ranked 17th in the coaches poll, and the first such occurrence since January 20, 2015. The Tigers are 4-0 all-time when ranked 17th in the coaches ranks.

Fort Hays State has now been in the national rankings 105 times. The Tigers are 161-43 all-time when ranked.

The Tigers will continue non-conference play next Tuesday (Nov. 26) when they host Tabor College beginning at 6 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Rk. - School (1st) - W-L &nbsp;- Pts. - Final 1 - Texas Woman's (14) - 5-0 - 539 - 2 2 - Grand Valley State (7) - 6-0 - 534 - 3 3 - Bentley - 4-0 - 440 - 9 4 - Gannon - 7-0 - 431 - 11 5 - Montana State Billings - 6-1 - 419 - 6 6 - Minnesota State Mankato (1) - 2-1 - 407 - 1 7 - Ashland - 4-1 - 390 - 5 8 - Tampa - 4-1 - 350 - 4 9 - Carson-Newman - 3-0 - 337 - 14 10 - Thomas Jefferson - 4-0 - 327 - 12 11 - Union (Tenn.) - 3-1 - 308 - 8 12 - Azusa Pacific - 4-0 - 286 - 18 13 - Pittsburg State - 4-1 - 244 - 13 14 - Ferris State - 4-1 - 239 - 15 15 - Assumption - 4-0 - 238 - 20 16 - Fairmont State - 2-1 - 237 - 7 17 - Fort Hays State - 4-0 - 236 - 23 18 - Northwest Missouri State - 5-1 - 190 - NR 19 - Lubbock Christian - 5-0 - 178 - RV 20 - Nova Southeastern - 3-1 - 146 - 16 21 - Cal Poly Pomona - 3-1 - 115 - 19 22 - Colorado Mesa - 3-1 - 84 - 21 23 - Columbus State - 3-1 - 69 - 24 24 - Lee (Tenn.) - 3-0 - 50 - RV 25 - Concordia-St. Paul - 4-0 - 41 - NR

Dropped Out:&nbsp;No. 10 Fayetteville State (2-2); No. 17 Georgia Southwestern (1-2); No. 22 Southern Nazarene (1-2); No. 25 Valdosta State (2-1).

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Cal State Dominguez Hills (4-0) 37; Fayetteville State (2-2) 34; North Georgia (4-0) 25; Northern State (2-2) 19; Seton Hill (4-0) 19; Texas-Tyler (3-0) 18; Northern Michigan (4-0) 16; Clark Atlanta (2-1) 14; California State L.A. (2-0) 12; Lewis (1-1) 12; Valdosta State (2-1) 12; Central Washington (4-0) 10; West Texas A&amp;M (4-1) 10; Augusta (4-0) 8; Georgia Southwestern (1-2) 8; West Florida (3-0) 6; Central Missouri (4-2) 5; Harding (2-1) 5; Lock Haven (3-1) 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732075042570.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLILBURN, Ga. - After a 4-0 start to the season, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team jumped six spots to No. 17 in the latest WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the coaches association.Fort Hays State netted 236 points in the balloting process this week, up from 107 points in the preseason poll.The Tigers are one of three MIAA teams in this week's top 25, joined by No. 13 Pittsburg State and No. 18 Northwest Missouri State. Two other regional opponents, both from the NSIC, are also in the ranks this week, including No. 6 Minnesota State and No. 25 Concordia-St. Paul.Texas Woman's University is the new No. 1 in DII women's basketball, up one spot after defending national champion Minnesota State lost to Northwest Missouri State.This is the third time FHSU has been ranked 17th in the coaches poll, and the first such occurrence since January 20, 2015. The Tigers are 4-0 all-time when ranked 17th in the coaches ranks.Fort Hays State has now been in the national rankings 105 times. The Tigers are 161-43 all-time when ranked.The Tigers will continue non-conference play next Tuesday (Nov. 26) when they host Tabor College beginning at 6 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.Rk. - School (1st) - W-L &nbsp;- Pts. - Final 1 - Texas Woman's (14) - 5-0 - 539 - 2 2 - Grand Valley State (7) - 6-0 - 534 - 3 3 - Bentley - 4-0 - 440 - 9 4 - Gannon - 7-0 - 431 - 11 5 - Montana State Billings - 6-1 - 419 - 6 6 - Minnesota State Mankato (1) - 2-1 - 407 - 1 7 - Ashland - 4-1 - 390 - 5 8 - Tampa - 4-1 - 350 - 4 9 - Carson-Newman - 3-0 - 337 - 14 10 - Thomas Jefferson - 4-0 - 327 - 12 11 - Union (Tenn.) - 3-1 - 308 - 8 12 - Azusa Pacific - 4-0 - 286 - 18 13 - Pittsburg State - 4-1 - 244 - 13 14 - Ferris State - 4-1 - 239 - 15 15 - Assumption - 4-0 - 238 - 20 16 - Fairmont State - 2-1 - 237 - 7 17 - Fort Hays State - 4-0 - 236 - 23 18 - Northwest Missouri State - 5-1 - 190 - NR 19 - Lubbock Christian - 5-0 - 178 - RV 20 - Nova Southeastern - 3-1 - 146 - 16 21 - Cal Poly Pomona - 3-1 - 115 - 19 22 - Colorado Mesa - 3-1 - 84 - 21 23 - Columbus State - 3-1 - 69 - 24 24 - Lee (Tenn.) - 3-0 - 50 - RV 25 - Concordia-St. Paul - 4-0 - 41 - NRDropped Out:&nbsp;No. 10 Fayetteville State (2-2); No. 17 Georgia Southwestern (1-2); No. 22 Southern Nazarene (1-2); No. 25 Valdosta State (2-1).Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Cal State Dominguez Hills (4-0) 37; Fayetteville State (2-2) 34; North Georgia (4-0) 25; Northern State (2-2) 19; Seton Hill (4-0) 19; Texas-Tyler (3-0) 18; Northern Michigan (4-0) 16; Clark Atlanta (2-1) 14; California State L.A. (2-0) 12; Lewis (1-1) 12; Valdosta State (2-1) 12; Central Washington (4-0) 10; West Texas A&amp;M (4-1) 10; Augusta (4-0) 8; Georgia Southwestern (1-2) 8; West Florida (3-0) 6; Central Missouri (4-2) 5; Harding (2-1) 5; Lock Haven (3-1) 5.

🏀 FHSU women up to No. 17 in WBCA coaches poll

For the fourth time this season, Fort Hays State is in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll. The latest edition released on Monday had the Tigers ranked No. 19. FHSU finished the regular season 8-3 overall after a 27-20 win at Nebraska-Kearney.

Fort Hays State remains as one of four MIAA schools listed in the D2Football.com Top 25 this week. Central Oklahoma (10-1) is No. 7 and Pittsburg State (8-2) is No. 8. Both will play in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Fort Hays State (8-3) is No. 19 and Central Missouri (8-3) is No. 20.

In the latest AFCA Top 25 Poll, Central Oklahoma is No. 8, Pittsburg State is No. 13, and Central Missouri is No. 25. Fort Hays State is the highest team listed in the receiving votes section, just five votes shy of the Top 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732074868173.png" alt="Untitled.png" />
 <figcaption>Untitled.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFor the fourth time this season, Fort Hays State is in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll. The latest edition released on Monday had the Tigers ranked No. 19. FHSU finished the regular season 8-3 overall after a 27-20 win at Nebraska-Kearney.Fort Hays State remains as one of four MIAA schools listed in the D2Football.com Top 25 this week. Central Oklahoma (10-1) is No. 7 and Pittsburg State (8-2) is No. 8. Both will play in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Fort Hays State (8-3) is No. 19 and Central Missouri (8-3) is No. 20.In the latest AFCA Top 25 Poll, Central Oklahoma is No. 8, Pittsburg State is No. 13, and Central Missouri is No. 25. Fort Hays State is the highest team listed in the receiving votes section, just five votes shy of the Top 25.

🏈 Tigers up in the D2Football.com poll, top receiving votes team in AFCA poll

The Hays High Unified Bowling team finished as state runner-up in Topeka on Tuesday. The Indians rolled a 945 for the second place score. Hays' score was 122 pins better than their regional score of 823.

The team was comprised of&nbsp;Ethan Kuhlmann, Keaton Brown, Tyler Huhyn, Ben Bergman, Lucas Miller and Loucinda Meade. Richard Hodges is the coach.

It is the second time in the three year history of the program that the Indians have qualified for state.

The Western Athletic Conference performed well overall at state. Great Bend took the state championship over Hays. Liberal placed third and Garden City fourth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732050979611.jpeg" alt="HHS Unified Bowling State Runner-up 2024" />
 <figcaption>HHS Unified Bowling State Runner-up 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays High Unified Bowling team finished as state runner-up in Topeka on Tuesday. The Indians rolled a 945 for the second place score. Hays' score was 122 pins better than their regional score of 823.The team was comprised of&nbsp;Ethan Kuhlmann, Keaton Brown, Tyler Huhyn, Ben Bergman, Lucas Miller and Loucinda Meade. Richard Hodges is the coach.It is the second time in the three year history of the program that the Indians have qualified for state.The Western Athletic Conference performed well overall at state. Great Bend took the state championship over Hays. Liberal placed third and Garden City fourth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732051067295.jpeg" alt="Unified Bowling WAC at State" />
 <figcaption>Unified Bowling WAC at State</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎳 Hays Unified Bowling state runner-up; WAC sweeps state

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head women's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/talia-kahrs/1342">Talia Kahrs</a>&nbsp;has announced her 2025 signing class. This group includes six incoming freshmen from three different states with an average height of 6-feet, 0.33 inches. Joining the Tigers next fall will be Olivia Mortensen, Mikayla Pilley, Lydia Reed, Kaitlin Schumann, Izzy Spagnoletti and Brittan Zeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Olivia Mortensen&nbsp;- 5-10 - Guard Broomfield, Colo. - Legacy HSOlivia Mortensen is a two-time Colorado Class 6A All-State honoree from Legacy High School in Broomfield, Colo., earning second team status as a junior after picking up honorable mention recognition as a sophomore. She was named Front Range League Player of the Year as a junior and is a three-time first team all-conference performer. Mortensen surpassed the 1,000 career point plateau during her junior season. The 5-10 guard averaged 22.1 points and 13.8 rebounds per game as a junior, recording 17 double-doubles that year. She holds the school record with 23 rebounds in a game as a sophomore. She also earned first team Academic All-State recognition as a junior.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mikayla Pilley&nbsp;- 5-11 - Guard Springfield, Mo. - Kickapoo HSMikayla Pilley was an MBCA Class 6 All-State pick as a junior after helping Kickapoo High School to a second state runner-up finish in the last three years. She is a two-time all-district selection and has a pair of first all-Ozark Conference awards to her name. The 5-11 guard was also named to the All-O-Zone second team as a junior in 2024 after averaging 15.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.5 steals per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lydia Reed&nbsp;- 6-3 - Forward St. John, Kan. - St. John HSLydia Reed has earned Sports in Kansas Class 1A All-State honorable mention recognition each of the last two seasons. The 6-3 forward led St. John High School in scoring, rebounds and blocks as a junior, averaging 13.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. She is a two-time all-conference performer, earning first team recognition as a junior and second team status as a sophomore. In addition, Reed has earned numerous in-season all-tournament team honors. She helped the Tigers win sub-state and advance to the KSHSAA Class 1A state tournament with a record of 21-2. Reed also excels in volleyball, ranking second in Kansas and 11th across the nation with 210 total blocks as a senior.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kaitlin Schumann&nbsp;- 6-4 - Forward Thornton, Colo. - Horizon HSKaitlin Schumann is a two-time Front Range League all-conference honorable mention pick and has been a three-time first team Academic All-State pick. She led Horizon High School in rebounds, blocks and 3-point percentage as a junior, averaging 7.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while knocking down 46 percent from behind the arc in 2023-24. She has helped the Hawks to three consecutive Colorado Class 6A State tournaments, including a state quarterfinal appearance as a junior. The 6-4 forward was named the most improved player on her team as a freshman and earned defensive player of the year honors as a junior. She has also earned two varsity letters in track.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Izzy Spagnoletti&nbsp;- 6-0 - Guard Longmont, Colo. - Silver Creek HSIzzy Spagnoletti was a Colorado Class 5A honorable mention All-State selection as a junior at Silver Creek High School. The 6-0 guard has scored 711 points in her first three seasons at SCHS, averaging 16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.8 steals per game as a junior. She was named team MVP of the Raptors as a sophomore and junior, was named team captain as a junior and senior and was selected to play in the Colorado All-Star Game as a junior. Spagnoletti has also been named to numerous all-conference and Academic All-State teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brittan Zeka&nbsp;- 5-10 - Guard Wellington, Kan. - Wellington HSBrittan Zeka is a three-time KBCA Class 4A All-State selection, earning second team honors as a junior after picking up honorable mention status as a freshman and sophomore. The 5-10 guard enters her senior season with 932 career points after averaging 14.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 2.7 assists per game as a junior. Zeka has earned three first team all-league honors in the AVCTL Division IV. She's helped lead Wellington High School to the KSHSAA Class 4A State tournament three times, including a runner-up finish as a junior in 2024. Zeka holds the WHS school record for career 3-pointers made and makes per game record while leading the Crusaders to a record of 67-6 over the last three seasons.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732038933315.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head women's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/talia-kahrs/1342">Talia Kahrs</a>&nbsp;has announced her 2025 signing class. This group includes six incoming freshmen from three different states with an average height of 6-feet, 0.33 inches. Joining the Tigers next fall will be Olivia Mortensen, Mikayla Pilley, Lydia Reed, Kaitlin Schumann, Izzy Spagnoletti and Brittan Zeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Olivia Mortensen&nbsp;- 5-10 - Guard Broomfield, Colo. - Legacy HSOlivia Mortensen is a two-time Colorado Class 6A All-State honoree from Legacy High School in Broomfield, Colo., earning second team status as a junior after picking up honorable mention recognition as a sophomore. She was named Front Range League Player of the Year as a junior and is a three-time first team all-conference performer. Mortensen surpassed the 1,000 career point plateau during her junior season. The 5-10 guard averaged 22.1 points and 13.8 rebounds per game as a junior, recording 17 double-doubles that year. She holds the school record with 23 rebounds in a game as a sophomore. She also earned first team Academic All-State recognition as a junior.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mikayla Pilley&nbsp;- 5-11 - Guard Springfield, Mo. - Kickapoo HSMikayla Pilley was an MBCA Class 6 All-State pick as a junior after helping Kickapoo High School to a second state runner-up finish in the last three years. She is a two-time all-district selection and has a pair of first all-Ozark Conference awards to her name. The 5-11 guard was also named to the All-O-Zone second team as a junior in 2024 after averaging 15.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.5 steals per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia Reed&nbsp;- 6-3 - Forward St. John, Kan. - St. John HSLydia Reed has earned Sports in Kansas Class 1A All-State honorable mention recognition each of the last two seasons. The 6-3 forward led St. John High School in scoring, rebounds and blocks as a junior, averaging 13.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. She is a two-time all-conference performer, earning first team recognition as a junior and second team status as a sophomore. In addition, Reed has earned numerous in-season all-tournament team honors. She helped the Tigers win sub-state and advance to the KSHSAA Class 1A state tournament with a record of 21-2. Reed also excels in volleyball, ranking second in Kansas and 11th across the nation with 210 total blocks as a senior.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaitlin Schumann&nbsp;- 6-4 - Forward Thornton, Colo. - Horizon HSKaitlin Schumann is a two-time Front Range League all-conference honorable mention pick and has been a three-time first team Academic All-State pick. She led Horizon High School in rebounds, blocks and 3-point percentage as a junior, averaging 7.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while knocking down 46 percent from behind the arc in 2023-24. She has helped the Hawks to three consecutive Colorado Class 6A State tournaments, including a state quarterfinal appearance as a junior. The 6-4 forward was named the most improved player on her team as a freshman and earned defensive player of the year honors as a junior. She has also earned two varsity letters in track.&nbsp;&nbsp;Izzy Spagnoletti&nbsp;- 6-0 - Guard Longmont, Colo. - Silver Creek HSIzzy Spagnoletti was a Colorado Class 5A honorable mention All-State selection as a junior at Silver Creek High School. The 6-0 guard has scored 711 points in her first three seasons at SCHS, averaging 16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.8 steals per game as a junior. She was named team MVP of the Raptors as a sophomore and junior, was named team captain as a junior and senior and was selected to play in the Colorado All-Star Game as a junior. Spagnoletti has also been named to numerous all-conference and Academic All-State teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brittan Zeka&nbsp;- 5-10 - Guard Wellington, Kan. - Wellington HSBrittan Zeka is a three-time KBCA Class 4A All-State selection, earning second team honors as a junior after picking up honorable mention status as a freshman and sophomore. The 5-10 guard enters her senior season with 932 career points after averaging 14.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 2.7 assists per game as a junior. Zeka has earned three first team all-league honors in the AVCTL Division IV. She's helped lead Wellington High School to the KSHSAA Class 4A State tournament three times, including a runner-up finish as a junior in 2024. Zeka holds the WHS school record for career 3-pointers made and makes per game record while leading the Crusaders to a record of 67-6 over the last three seasons.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🏀 FHSU women ink six for 2025-26

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State received 18 selections on the 2024 All-MIAA Football Team, released on Tuesday, as selected by MIAA coaches. The Tigers saw their most selections on the all-conference team since the 2018 season, when they had 22 selections. FHSU had six first-team, six second-team, three third-team, and three honorable mention selections. Myles Menges&nbsp;was named the Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the fourth Tiger to earn the honor while FHSU has been a member of the MIAA.

First-team selections went to Myles Menges&nbsp;(DL), Makel Williams&nbsp;(LB), Mason Perez&nbsp;(DB), Parker Janky&nbsp;(P), Shane Watts&nbsp;(APB), and Josh Shaw (OL). Menges, Watts, and Shaw were unanimous selections to the first team. Second-team selections went to Jayden Horace&nbsp;(WR), Cale Cormaney&nbsp;(TE), Porter Dannevik (OL), Carson Arndt&nbsp;(K), and John Johnson&nbsp;(LB), while Watts (RB) was listed a second time on the team at running back to go with his first-team all-purpose back honor. Third-team selections went to Gaven Haselhorst&nbsp;(DL), Kobe Rome&nbsp;(DB), and Benyon Williams&nbsp;(DB). Honorable mention picks went to Caleb Heavner&nbsp;(QB), Dawson Reynolds&nbsp;(OL), and Demetri Scott&nbsp;(DL).

Menges is now a four-time All-MIAA selection, capping the run of selections as a unanimous first team selection on the defensive line. With that, he received MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. He now has all four levels of all-conference honors, going from honorable mention in 2021, to third team in 2022, to second team in 2023, and now first team in 2024. The Bushton, Kansas native recorded 27 tackles, a team-high 5.5 sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2024. Menges had a big year batting down passes at the line, recording 11 pass breakups for the season, tied for third-most in the MIAA and most among defensive linemen. He also recorded one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for the season as well. He helped the Tigers to the second-best total defense in the MIAA (330.1 yards per game) and the best scoring defense (16.9) points per game in the regular season. Menges is the first MIAA Defensive Player of the Year for the Tigers since linebacker Jose Delgado won the award in 2018.

Makel Williams is now a three-time All-MIAA selection at linebacker. He earned first-team honors this year, leading FHSU in total tackles with 88. He had the third most tackles in the MIAA at the end of the regular season. Williams reached double figures in tackles for games four times in 2024, including a career-high 14 in a win over nationally ranked Central Missouri for Homecoming back on October 5 which netted him a conference player of the week honor. Prior to this year, the Bryan, Texas native was an All-MIAA Third Team selection in both 2022 and 2023. He has 249 tackles over three seasons at FHSU.

Mason Perez&nbsp;is also now a three-time All-MIAA selection on defense, earning first-team honors at defensive back. Perez ranks second in tackles for FHSU with 69 for the season, while leading the team in tackles for loss (7.0). Perez added five pass breakups and a forced fumble in the regular season, while also doing damage on special teams with two blocked kicks. Perez has 212 tackles over four seasons at FHSU.

Parker Janky is the first-team selection at punter. Taking over as the team's primary punter late in the 2023, Janky has thrived in the role ever since. He closed the regular season averaging an MIAA-best 44.9 yards per punt on 40 attempts. But Janky was also valuable as a kickoff specialist, averaging a career-best 60.3 yards per kickoff in 2024 with 25 touchbacks. He has been the kickoff specialist all four years of his career at FHSU, totaling 65 touchbacks with a career average of 58.3 yards per kickoff.

On the offensive side of the ball, Shane Watts&nbsp;was a unanimous first-team selection as an all-purpose back. Watts led the MIAA in all-purpose yards during the regular season with 1,769, averaging 160.8 per game. His year was so impressive that coaches made him a second-team selection as a running back too, since he rushed for 1,303 yards in the regular season to go with his 449 receiving yards and 17 kick return yards. Watts rushed for at least 100 yards in six contests in the regular season and had at least 50 yards rushing in 10 of 11 contests. He really turned his performance up a notch by rushing for over 100 yards in the last four games, which included going over 200 yards twice. He had a career-high 250 rushing yards in a win over nationally ranked Emporia State. Watts ranked second in the MIAA in scoring in the regular season with 102 points on 17 touchdowns (13 rushing, 4 receiving). He led the MIAA in rushing by 234 yards over first-team running back Jaylen Cottrell (also a unanimous selection) of Central Oklahoma and the two were the only running backs in the MIAA to go over 1,000 rushing yards during the regular season.

Also getting a unanimous first-team selection on the offensive line was&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/josh-shaw/8047">Josh Shaw</a>, who is now a two-time All-MIAA selection. He was a third-team selection as season ago. Shaw joined Gabe Clark of Central Missouri as the only two unanimous first team selections on the offensive line. Shaw started all 11 games for the Tigers during the regular season, even making two spot starts at center for an injured Brandon Kerr, aside from his normal left guard position where he made the other nine starts. He helped the Tigers produce 402 yards of total offense per game during the regular season, which included 169.3 yards per game on the ground and 232.7 yards per game through the air. The Tigers scored 40 touchdowns and racked up 241 first downs in the regular season.

Horace is now a two-time All-MIAA selection at wide receiver, earning second-team honors this year after an honorable mention pick last year. Horace upped his production in terms of receptions (56) and receiving yards (704) this season, compared to a year ago. He had eight touchdown catches in the regular season this year compared to 11 a season ago. In 22 games over two years at FHSU, he has 92 receptions for 1,283 yards. His 64.0 receiving yards per game average ranked 10th&nbsp;for the regular season in the MIAA.

Cormaney is also a two-time All-MIAA selection at tight end, moving up to the second team this year after an honorable mention selection last year. He had 32 receptions for 310 yards and one touchdown in the regular season. He has 850 receiving yards on 76 receptions over three years as a Tiger.

Dannevik picked up the first all-conference selection of his career, a second-team selection on the offensive line. He made all nine of his starts in the regular season at right tackle and played in 10 games, only missing one game. He helped the Tigers generate 402 yards of total offense per game.

Arndt is now a two-time all-conference selection at kicker, a second-team selection this year after an honorable mention pick last year. He's a four-time all-conference pick for his collegiate career, which included a pair of all-conference selections while at Butler (Kan.) Community College. Arndt tied for the MIAA lead in field goals made with Cody Watson, each booting through 16. He remained perfect on PAT attempts in the regular season, going 40-of-40, extending his perfect streak as a Tiger to 87 after going 47-of-47 in 2023. Arndt has 23 field goals made at FHSU over two seasons.

Johnson picked up the second all-conference honor of his career at linebacker as a second-team selection this year. He was a first-team selection last year, but missed three games this year due to injury. He returned to form as one of the top defenders in the conference following the setback midway through the year and finished with 63 tackles, reaching double figures in games twice. He added a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick. Johnson has 230 tackles over four years at FHSU.

Haselhorst received the first all-conference selection of his career at FHSU, a third-team pick on the defensive line. He finished the regular season with 31 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss, while also recording a forced fumble.

Rome picked up the second all-conference honor of his career at FHSU as a defensive back, this time as a third-team selection after a second-team pick a year ago. He had 36 tackles in the regular season, while tying for the team lead in interceptions with two. He has five interceptions over the last two seasons.

Benyon Williams&nbsp;picked up his first all-conference nod at FHSU as a third-team selection at defensive back. He is now a three-time all-conference performer overall in his career after twice earning all-conference honors at North Carolina Wesleyan. He had 61 tackles in the regular season to go with two forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He has 101 tackles over two years at FHSU and 240 over his five-year collegiate career.

Heavner picked up an honorable mention selection at quarterback. Taking over as the starter six games into the season, Heavner finished the year with 1,649 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns, while rushing for 353 yards and five touchdowns. He led the MIAA in the regular season with a 70.1 completion percentage, connecting on 141 of his 201 passes, while throwing only two interceptions.

Reynolds is now a two-time all-conference selection with the Tigers on the offensive line. He was an honorable mention selection for the second-straight year, starting all games for FHSU at right guard and helping the offense average 402 yards per game.

Scott picked up his first all-conference honor on the defensive line as a Tiger with an honorable mention pick. He finished the year with 21 tackles as a defensive tackle, recording 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

2024 MIAA POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Zach Zebrowski, Central Missouri, QB, Sr. OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Montriel Lee, Central Oklahoma, Sr. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Myles Menges, Fort Hays State, DL, Sr. DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Jake Fisher, Northwest Missouri, Sr. SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Kobey Stephens, Central Oklahoma, KR/PR, Sr. FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashton Schumann, Central Oklahoma, WR COACH OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Adam Dorrel, Central Oklahoma

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM&nbsp;OFFENSE Quarterback – Zach Zebrowski – Central Missouri Running Back – Jaylen Cottrell – Central Oklahoma* Wide Receiver – Terrill Davis – Central Oklahoma* Wide Receiver – Tyler Kahmann – Emporia State* Wide Receiver – Zach Patterson – Central Missouri Wide Receiver – Tre Richardson – Washburn* Tight End/Fullback – Will Huggins – Pittsburg State All-Purpose Back – Shane Watts – Fort Hays State* Offensive Line – Landon Blubaugh – Pittsburg State Offensive Line – Gabe Clark – Central Missouri* Offensive Line – Sherman Deaton – Emporia State Offensive Line – Montriel Lee – Central Oklahoma Offensive Line – Josh Shaw – Fort Hays State* Kicker – Cody Watson – Missouri Western* *Indicates unanimous selection

ALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM&nbsp;DEFENSE Defensive Line – Quillan Felton – Nebraska Kearney* Defensive Line – Jake Fisher – Northwest Missouri* Defensive Line – Myles Menges – Fort Hays State* Defensive Line – Cole Sample – Pittsburg State Linebacker – Jack Barkley – Pittsburg State* Linebacker – Carter Edwards – Northwest Missouri Linebacker – Jack Puckett – Central Oklahoma Linebacker – Makel Williams – Fort Hays State Defensive Back – Jaaron Joseph – Emporia State Defensive Back – Mason Perez – Fort Hays State Defensive Back – Jordan Rogers – Pittsburg State Defensive Back – Cahleel Smith – Northwest Missouri Punter – Parker Janky – Fort Hays State * Indicates unanimous selection

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM&nbsp;OFFENSE Quarterback – Jett Huff – Central Oklahoma Running Back – Shane Watts – Fort Hays State Wide Receiver – Jonas Bennett – Missouri Western Wide Receiver – Jayden Horace – Fort Hays State Wide Receiver – Luke Mathews – Northwest Missouri Wide Receiver – Jack Roberts – Pittsburg State Tight End/Fullback – Cale Cormaney – Fort Hays State All-Purpose Back – Tank Young – Northwest Missouri Offensive Line – Drew Daniels – Pittsburg State Offensive Line – Porter Dannevik – Fort Hays State Offensive Line – Noah Dobson – Central Oklahoma Offensive Line – James Lucio – Missouri Western Offensive Line – Wes Merriman – Northwest Missouri Offensive Line – Liam Wortmann – Central Missouri Kicker – Carson Arndt – Fort Hays State Kick/Punt Returner – Kobey Stephens – Central Oklahoma (team reflects ties in voting)

ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM&nbsp;DEFENSE Defensive Line – Zane Adams – Central Oklahoma Defensive Line – Malik Berry – Pittsburg State Defensive Line – Rafe Goucher – Emporia State Defensive Line – Clayton Power – Northwest Missouri Linebacker – Alex Gaskill – Pittsburg State Linebacker – John Johnson – Fort Hays State Linebacker – LJ Minner Jr. - Washburn Linebacker – Caleb Mondi – Emporia State Defensive Back – Kobey Stephens – Central Oklahoma Defensive Back – Desmond Green – Missouri Western Defensive Back – Jamere Jones – Nebraska Kearney Defensive Back – Jaylen Fuksa – Pittsburg State Punter – Grayson Miller – Central Oklahoma

ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM&nbsp;OFFENSE Quarterback – Gunnar Gundy – Emporia State Running Back – Isaiah Harris – Nebraska Kearney Wide Receiver – Trenden Collins – Emporia State Wide Receiver – Jack Pospisil – Central Missouri Wide Receiver – Ashton Schumann – Central Oklahoma Wide Receiver – Maury Sullivan - Washburn Tight End/Fullback – Deontay Campbell – Missouri Southern All-Purpose Back – Noah Hernandez – Pittsburg State Offensive Line – Kenny Fehrman – Missouri Southern Offensive Line – Mac Garner – Central Oklahoma Offensive Line – Carlos Guzman – Emporia State Offensive Line – Jakobe Harmon - Washburn Offensive Line – Wyatt Marr – Nebraska Kearney Offensive Line – Jake Winslow – Northwest Missouri Kicker – Noah Guastella – Northwest Missouri Kick/Punt Returner – Dominic Myers – Northwest Missouri (team reflects ties in voting)

ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM&nbsp;DEFENSE Defensive Line – Grant Finley – Missouri Western Defensive Line – Gaven Haselhorst – Fort Hays State Defensive Line – Brandon Johnson – Missouri Western Defensive Line – Langden Kitchen – Northwest Missouri Linebacker – Andrew Dumas – Northwest Missouri Linebacker – Kienen Gaskin – Missouri Western Linebacker – Connor Johnson – Central Oklahoma Linebacker – David Lilly – Nebraska Kearney Defensive Back – Dylan Buchheit – Central Oklahoma Defensive Back – Jordan Finnesy - Washburn Defensive Back – Kobe Rome – Fort Hays State Defensive Back – Tyler Schultze – Emporia State Defensive Back – Benyon Williams – Fort Hays State Punter – Spencer Sprenger – Missouri Western (team reflects ties in voting)

ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION CENTRAL MISSOURI –&nbsp; LaAngelo Bell, RB; Hogan Wasson, WR; Weston King, DL; Joshua Bean, DL; Austin Bressler, LB; Cale Miller, LB; Reyjon Williams, DB CENTRAL OKLAHOMA – &nbsp;William Mason, RB; Dominique Dunn, TE/FB; Hunter Largent, DL; Noah West, LB; JK Moore, DBEMPORIA STATE – &nbsp;Caden Dodson, K; Rylan Miller, DL; CJ Adams, DL; Lavon Jones, LB FORT HAYS STATE – &nbsp;Caleb Heavner, QB; Dawson Reynolds, OL; Demetri Scott, DLMISSOURI SOUTHERN – &nbsp;Draper Parker, WR; Colton Bass, LB MISSOURI WESTERN – &nbsp;Brayden Wickliffe, OL; Javerious Mcguinn, KR/PR; Garrett Watson, DL; Antonio Taylor, DB NEBRASKA KEARNEY – &nbsp;Carter Klein, OL; Stephen Matina, DL; Anthony Hebert, LB NORTHWEST MISSOURI – &nbsp;Shane Fredrickson, DB; Austin McKinney, DB PITTSBURG STATE – &nbsp;Chad Dodson, QB; Cleo Chandler, RB; Kuron Parchmon, WR; Riley Teutsch, OL; Jaylen Fuksa, KR/PR; Kristian Cross, DB; Casey Rauch, P WASHBURN – &nbsp;Nick Hogan, OL; Tre Richardson, KR/PR; Chase McCoy, DL&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State received 18 selections on the 2024 All-MIAA Football Team, released on Tuesday, as selected by MIAA coaches. The Tigers saw their most selections on the all-conference team since the 2018 season, when they had 22 selections. FHSU had six first-team, six second-team, three third-team, and three honorable mention selections. Myles Menges&nbsp;was named the Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the fourth Tiger to earn the honor while FHSU has been a member of the MIAA.First-team selections went to Myles Menges&nbsp;(DL), Makel Williams&nbsp;(LB), Mason Perez&nbsp;(DB), Parker Janky&nbsp;(P), Shane Watts&nbsp;(APB), and Josh Shaw (OL). Menges, Watts, and Shaw were unanimous selections to the first team. Second-team selections went to Jayden Horace&nbsp;(WR), Cale Cormaney&nbsp;(TE), Porter Dannevik (OL), Carson Arndt&nbsp;(K), and John Johnson&nbsp;(LB), while Watts (RB) was listed a second time on the team at running back to go with his first-team all-purpose back honor. Third-team selections went to Gaven Haselhorst&nbsp;(DL), Kobe Rome&nbsp;(DB), and Benyon Williams&nbsp;(DB). Honorable mention picks went to Caleb Heavner&nbsp;(QB), Dawson Reynolds&nbsp;(OL), and Demetri Scott&nbsp;(DL).Menges is now a four-time All-MIAA selection, capping the run of selections as a unanimous first team selection on the defensive line. With that, he received MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. He now has all four levels of all-conference honors, going from honorable mention in 2021, to third team in 2022, to second team in 2023, and now first team in 2024. The Bushton, Kansas native recorded 27 tackles, a team-high 5.5 sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2024. Menges had a big year batting down passes at the line, recording 11 pass breakups for the season, tied for third-most in the MIAA and most among defensive linemen. He also recorded one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for the season as well. He helped the Tigers to the second-best total defense in the MIAA (330.1 yards per game) and the best scoring defense (16.9) points per game in the regular season. Menges is the first MIAA Defensive Player of the Year for the Tigers since linebacker Jose Delgado won the award in 2018.Makel Williams is now a three-time All-MIAA selection at linebacker. He earned first-team honors this year, leading FHSU in total tackles with 88. He had the third most tackles in the MIAA at the end of the regular season. Williams reached double figures in tackles for games four times in 2024, including a career-high 14 in a win over nationally ranked Central Missouri for Homecoming back on October 5 which netted him a conference player of the week honor. Prior to this year, the Bryan, Texas native was an All-MIAA Third Team selection in both 2022 and 2023. He has 249 tackles over three seasons at FHSU.Mason Perez&nbsp;is also now a three-time All-MIAA selection on defense, earning first-team honors at defensive back. Perez ranks second in tackles for FHSU with 69 for the season, while leading the team in tackles for loss (7.0). Perez added five pass breakups and a forced fumble in the regular season, while also doing damage on special teams with two blocked kicks. Perez has 212 tackles over four seasons at FHSU.Parker Janky is the first-team selection at punter. Taking over as the team's primary punter late in the 2023, Janky has thrived in the role ever since. He closed the regular season averaging an MIAA-best 44.9 yards per punt on 40 attempts. But Janky was also valuable as a kickoff specialist, averaging a career-best 60.3 yards per kickoff in 2024 with 25 touchbacks. He has been the kickoff specialist all four years of his career at FHSU, totaling 65 touchbacks with a career average of 58.3 yards per kickoff.On the offensive side of the ball, Shane Watts&nbsp;was a unanimous first-team selection as an all-purpose back. Watts led the MIAA in all-purpose yards during the regular season with 1,769, averaging 160.8 per game. His year was so impressive that coaches made him a second-team selection as a running back too, since he rushed for 1,303 yards in the regular season to go with his 449 receiving yards and 17 kick return yards. Watts rushed for at least 100 yards in six contests in the regular season and had at least 50 yards rushing in 10 of 11 contests. He really turned his performance up a notch by rushing for over 100 yards in the last four games, which included going over 200 yards twice. He had a career-high 250 rushing yards in a win over nationally ranked Emporia State. Watts ranked second in the MIAA in scoring in the regular season with 102 points on 17 touchdowns (13 rushing, 4 receiving). He led the MIAA in rushing by 234 yards over first-team running back Jaylen Cottrell (also a unanimous selection) of Central Oklahoma and the two were the only running backs in the MIAA to go over 1,000 rushing yards during the regular season.Also getting a unanimous first-team selection on the offensive line was&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/josh-shaw/8047">Josh Shaw</a>, who is now a two-time All-MIAA selection. He was a third-team selection as season ago. Shaw joined Gabe Clark of Central Missouri as the only two unanimous first team selections on the offensive line. Shaw started all 11 games for the Tigers during the regular season, even making two spot starts at center for an injured Brandon Kerr, aside from his normal left guard position where he made the other nine starts. He helped the Tigers produce 402 yards of total offense per game during the regular season, which included 169.3 yards per game on the ground and 232.7 yards per game through the air. The Tigers scored 40 touchdowns and racked up 241 first downs in the regular season.Horace is now a two-time All-MIAA selection at wide receiver, earning second-team honors this year after an honorable mention pick last year. Horace upped his production in terms of receptions (56) and receiving yards (704) this season, compared to a year ago. He had eight touchdown catches in the regular season this year compared to 11 a season ago. In 22 games over two years at FHSU, he has 92 receptions for 1,283 yards. His 64.0 receiving yards per game average ranked 10th&nbsp;for the regular season in the MIAA.Cormaney is also a two-time All-MIAA selection at tight end, moving up to the second team this year after an honorable mention selection last year. He had 32 receptions for 310 yards and one touchdown in the regular season. He has 850 receiving yards on 76 receptions over three years as a Tiger.Dannevik picked up the first all-conference selection of his career, a second-team selection on the offensive line. He made all nine of his starts in the regular season at right tackle and played in 10 games, only missing one game. He helped the Tigers generate 402 yards of total offense per game.Arndt is now a two-time all-conference selection at kicker, a second-team selection this year after an honorable mention pick last year. He's a four-time all-conference pick for his collegiate career, which included a pair of all-conference selections while at Butler (Kan.) Community College. Arndt tied for the MIAA lead in field goals made with Cody Watson, each booting through 16. He remained perfect on PAT attempts in the regular season, going 40-of-40, extending his perfect streak as a Tiger to 87 after going 47-of-47 in 2023. Arndt has 23 field goals made at FHSU over two seasons.Johnson picked up the second all-conference honor of his career at linebacker as a second-team selection this year. He was a first-team selection last year, but missed three games this year due to injury. He returned to form as one of the top defenders in the conference following the setback midway through the year and finished with 63 tackles, reaching double figures in games twice. He added a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick. Johnson has 230 tackles over four years at FHSU.Haselhorst received the first all-conference selection of his career at FHSU, a third-team pick on the defensive line. He finished the regular season with 31 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss, while also recording a forced fumble.Rome picked up the second all-conference honor of his career at FHSU as a defensive back, this time as a third-team selection after a second-team pick a year ago. He had 36 tackles in the regular season, while tying for the team lead in interceptions with two. He has five interceptions over the last two seasons.Benyon Williams&nbsp;picked up his first all-conference nod at FHSU as a third-team selection at defensive back. He is now a three-time all-conference performer overall in his career after twice earning all-conference honors at North Carolina Wesleyan. He had 61 tackles in the regular season to go with two forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He has 101 tackles over two years at FHSU and 240 over his five-year collegiate career.Heavner picked up an honorable mention selection at quarterback. Taking over as the starter six games into the season, Heavner finished the year with 1,649 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns, while rushing for 353 yards and five touchdowns. He led the MIAA in the regular season with a 70.1 completion percentage, connecting on 141 of his 201 passes, while throwing only two interceptions.Reynolds is now a two-time all-conference selection with the Tigers on the offensive line. He was an honorable mention selection for the second-straight year, starting all games for FHSU at right guard and helping the offense average 402 yards per game.Scott picked up his first all-conference honor on the defensive line as a Tiger with an honorable mention pick. He finished the year with 21 tackles as a defensive tackle, recording 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.2024 MIAA POSTSEASON AWARDS &amp; ALL-MIAA TEAMS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Zach Zebrowski, Central Missouri, QB, Sr. OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Montriel Lee, Central Oklahoma, Sr. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Myles Menges, Fort Hays State, DL, Sr. DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Jake Fisher, Northwest Missouri, Sr. SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Kobey Stephens, Central Oklahoma, KR/PR, Sr. FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashton Schumann, Central Oklahoma, WR COACH OF THE YEAR:&nbsp;&nbsp;Adam Dorrel, Central OklahomaALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM&nbsp;OFFENSE Quarterback – Zach Zebrowski – Central Missouri Running Back – Jaylen Cottrell – Central Oklahoma* Wide Receiver – Terrill Davis – Central Oklahoma* Wide Receiver – Tyler Kahmann – Emporia State* Wide Receiver – Zach Patterson – Central Missouri Wide Receiver – Tre Richardson – Washburn* Tight End/Fullback – Will Huggins – Pittsburg State All-Purpose Back – Shane Watts – Fort Hays State* Offensive Line – Landon Blubaugh – Pittsburg State Offensive Line – Gabe Clark – Central Missouri* Offensive Line – Sherman Deaton – Emporia State Offensive Line – Montriel Lee – Central Oklahoma Offensive Line – Josh Shaw – Fort Hays State* Kicker – Cody Watson – Missouri Western* *Indicates unanimous selectionALL-MIAA FIRST TEAM&nbsp;DEFENSE Defensive Line – Quillan Felton – Nebraska Kearney* Defensive Line – Jake Fisher – Northwest Missouri* Defensive Line – Myles Menges – Fort Hays State* Defensive Line – Cole Sample – Pittsburg State Linebacker – Jack Barkley – Pittsburg State* Linebacker – Carter Edwards – Northwest Missouri Linebacker – Jack Puckett – Central Oklahoma Linebacker – Makel Williams – Fort Hays State Defensive Back – Jaaron Joseph – Emporia State Defensive Back – Mason Perez – Fort Hays State Defensive Back – Jordan Rogers – Pittsburg State Defensive Back – Cahleel Smith – Northwest Missouri Punter – Parker Janky – Fort Hays State * Indicates unanimous selectionALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM&nbsp;OFFENSE Quarterback – Jett Huff – Central Oklahoma Running Back – Shane Watts – Fort Hays State Wide Receiver – Jonas Bennett – Missouri Western Wide Receiver – Jayden Horace – Fort Hays State Wide Receiver – Luke Mathews – Northwest Missouri Wide Receiver – Jack Roberts – Pittsburg State Tight End/Fullback – Cale Cormaney – Fort Hays State All-Purpose Back – Tank Young – Northwest Missouri Offensive Line – Drew Daniels – Pittsburg State Offensive Line – Porter Dannevik – Fort Hays State Offensive Line – Noah Dobson – Central Oklahoma Offensive Line – James Lucio – Missouri Western Offensive Line – Wes Merriman – Northwest Missouri Offensive Line – Liam Wortmann – Central Missouri Kicker – Carson Arndt – Fort Hays State Kick/Punt Returner – Kobey Stephens – Central Oklahoma (team reflects ties in voting)ALL-MIAA SECOND TEAM&nbsp;DEFENSE Defensive Line – Zane Adams – Central Oklahoma Defensive Line – Malik Berry – Pittsburg State Defensive Line – Rafe Goucher – Emporia State Defensive Line – Clayton Power – Northwest Missouri Linebacker – Alex Gaskill – Pittsburg State Linebacker – John Johnson – Fort Hays State Linebacker – LJ Minner Jr. - Washburn Linebacker – Caleb Mondi – Emporia State Defensive Back – Kobey Stephens – Central Oklahoma Defensive Back – Desmond Green – Missouri Western Defensive Back – Jamere Jones – Nebraska Kearney Defensive Back – Jaylen Fuksa – Pittsburg State Punter – Grayson Miller – Central OklahomaALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM&nbsp;OFFENSE Quarterback – Gunnar Gundy – Emporia State Running Back – Isaiah Harris – Nebraska Kearney Wide Receiver – Trenden Collins – Emporia State Wide Receiver – Jack Pospisil – Central Missouri Wide Receiver – Ashton Schumann – Central Oklahoma Wide Receiver – Maury Sullivan - Washburn Tight End/Fullback – Deontay Campbell – Missouri Southern All-Purpose Back – Noah Hernandez – Pittsburg State Offensive Line – Kenny Fehrman – Missouri Southern Offensive Line – Mac Garner – Central Oklahoma Offensive Line – Carlos Guzman – Emporia State Offensive Line – Jakobe Harmon - Washburn Offensive Line – Wyatt Marr – Nebraska Kearney Offensive Line – Jake Winslow – Northwest Missouri Kicker – Noah Guastella – Northwest Missouri Kick/Punt Returner – Dominic Myers – Northwest Missouri (team reflects ties in voting)ALL-MIAA THIRD TEAM&nbsp;DEFENSE Defensive Line – Grant Finley – Missouri Western Defensive Line – Gaven Haselhorst – Fort Hays State Defensive Line – Brandon Johnson – Missouri Western Defensive Line – Langden Kitchen – Northwest Missouri Linebacker – Andrew Dumas – Northwest Missouri Linebacker – Kienen Gaskin – Missouri Western Linebacker – Connor Johnson – Central Oklahoma Linebacker – David Lilly – Nebraska Kearney Defensive Back – Dylan Buchheit – Central Oklahoma Defensive Back – Jordan Finnesy - Washburn Defensive Back – Kobe Rome – Fort Hays State Defensive Back – Tyler Schultze – Emporia State Defensive Back – Benyon Williams – Fort Hays State Punter – Spencer Sprenger – Missouri Western (team reflects ties in voting)ALL-MIAA HONORABLE MENTION CENTRAL MISSOURI –&nbsp; LaAngelo Bell, RB; Hogan Wasson, WR; Weston King, DL; Joshua Bean, DL; Austin Bressler, LB; Cale Miller, LB; Reyjon Williams, DB CENTRAL OKLAHOMA – &nbsp;William Mason, RB; Dominique Dunn, TE/FB; Hunter Largent, DL; Noah West, LB; JK Moore, DBEMPORIA STATE – &nbsp;Caden Dodson, K; Rylan Miller, DL; CJ Adams, DL; Lavon Jones, LB FORT HAYS STATE – &nbsp;Caleb Heavner, QB; Dawson Reynolds, OL; Demetri Scott, DLMISSOURI SOUTHERN – &nbsp;Draper Parker, WR; Colton Bass, LB MISSOURI WESTERN – &nbsp;Brayden Wickliffe, OL; Javerious Mcguinn, KR/PR; Garrett Watson, DL; Antonio Taylor, DB NEBRASKA KEARNEY – &nbsp;Carter Klein, OL; Stephen Matina, DL; Anthony Hebert, LB NORTHWEST MISSOURI – &nbsp;Shane Fredrickson, DB; Austin McKinney, DB PITTSBURG STATE – &nbsp;Chad Dodson, QB; Cleo Chandler, RB; Kuron Parchmon, WR; Riley Teutsch, OL; Jaylen Fuksa, KR/PR; Kristian Cross, DB; Casey Rauch, P WASHBURN – &nbsp;Nick Hogan, OL; Tre Richardson, KR/PR; Chase McCoy, DL&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 18 Tigers named to 2024 All-MIAA football team

#16 Fort Hays State (0-2) vs. South Dakota School of Mines (0-4) Tuesday, November 19, 2024 • 7:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum&nbsp;

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

 Fort Hays State Men's Basketball plays host to South Dakota Mines on Tuesday in its home opener at Gross Memorial Coliseum for the 2024-25 season. The Tigers enter at 0-2 overall, while the Hardrockers come to Hays with an 0-4 record. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Tigers had a tough opening weekend in Minnesota back on November 8th&nbsp;and 9th. FHSU fell to Southwest Minnesota State 68-62 in its season opener, then fell to Concordia-St. Paul the following day 82-68. Both Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul remain undefeated for the season, among six teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference still unbeaten this season. The Tigers have had a week and a few days off to prepare for their home opener.

The Hardrockers took a pair of losses to NCAA Division II schools from Texas in their opening weekend before most recently falling to Augustana and MSU Moorhead of the NSIC this past weekend. MSU Moorhead is one of those six aforementioned unbeaten NSIC teams, currently holding the No. 4 ranking in the nation.

Fort Hays State owns a 3-0 record against South Dakota Mines all-time. The last time the teams met was in 2014-15, when FHSU claimed a 91-62 win in Hays. Every meeting between the schools in series history have been played in Hays.

Four-time All-MIAA and two-time all-region selection Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;leads the Tigers in scoring so far this season at 13 points per game. Hammeke is at 1,585 points for his career, now up to fourth on the all-time scoring list at FHSU. Shaun Riley&nbsp;is coming off a double-double performance against Concordia-St. Paul of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Traejon Davis&nbsp;(11.5), Riley (11.0), and Kyle Grill&nbsp;(10.0) are also averaging double figures in scoring for the Tigers so far.

Fort Hays State is looking to avoid its first 0-3 start since the 2020-21 COVID season. FHSU has won its home opener each of the last three seasons, going back to the 2021-22 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>FHSU Athletics#16 Fort Hays State (0-2) vs. South Dakota School of Mines (0-4) Tuesday, November 19, 2024 • 7:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum&nbsp;Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a> Fort Hays State Men's Basketball plays host to South Dakota Mines on Tuesday in its home opener at Gross Memorial Coliseum for the 2024-25 season. The Tigers enter at 0-2 overall, while the Hardrockers come to Hays with an 0-4 record. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.The Tigers had a tough opening weekend in Minnesota back on November 8th&nbsp;and 9th. FHSU fell to Southwest Minnesota State 68-62 in its season opener, then fell to Concordia-St. Paul the following day 82-68. Both Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul remain undefeated for the season, among six teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference still unbeaten this season. The Tigers have had a week and a few days off to prepare for their home opener.The Hardrockers took a pair of losses to NCAA Division II schools from Texas in their opening weekend before most recently falling to Augustana and MSU Moorhead of the NSIC this past weekend. MSU Moorhead is one of those six aforementioned unbeaten NSIC teams, currently holding the No. 4 ranking in the nation.Fort Hays State owns a 3-0 record against South Dakota Mines all-time. The last time the teams met was in 2014-15, when FHSU claimed a 91-62 win in Hays. Every meeting between the schools in series history have been played in Hays.Four-time All-MIAA and two-time all-region selection Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;leads the Tigers in scoring so far this season at 13 points per game. Hammeke is at 1,585 points for his career, now up to fourth on the all-time scoring list at FHSU. Shaun Riley&nbsp;is coming off a double-double performance against Concordia-St. Paul of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Traejon Davis&nbsp;(11.5), Riley (11.0), and Kyle Grill&nbsp;(10.0) are also averaging double figures in scoring for the Tigers so far.Fort Hays State is looking to avoid its first 0-3 start since the 2020-21 COVID season. FHSU has won its home opener each of the last three seasons, going back to the 2021-22 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN: FHSU men host Hardrockers in home opener

Tuesday, November 19
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UNC-Wilmington, 5:30pm &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. South Dakota School of Mines, 6:30pm

Tuesday, November 19
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UNC-Wilmington, 5:30pm &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. South Dakota School of Mines, 6:30pmWednesday, November 20
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, November 21 noneFriday, November 22
 KKQY: Hoxie FB at
South Central, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Goddard Eisenhower, 6:30pm
 KAYS: Victoria FB at Dighton, 6:45pmSaturday, November 23
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Colorado, 1:00pmSunday, November 24
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at Carolina Panthers, 11:00am

INDIANAPOLIS – After a two-year absence, Fort Hays State is back in the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Tournament. The Tigers are making their 10th&nbsp;appearance in the national tournament in just the program's 14th&nbsp;year of existence. The Tigers are the No. 10 seed in Super Region 3 and will take on No. 7 seed Davenport (Mich.) in the opening round in Lebanon, Ill. on Friday . The Tigers enter the national tournament with a record of 12-3-4.

The Fort Hays State vs. Davenport opening round match will be hosted by McKendree University, which earned the No. 2 seed in the Super Regional. The Bearcats have an opening round bye and will play the winner of the FHSU/Davenport matchup on Sunday. Both contests in Lebanon will be played at Leemon Field on the campus of McKendree University.

<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/print/soccer-men/d2/2024">PRINTABLE&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/print/soccer-men/d2/2024">TOURNAMENT BRACKET</a> <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/soccer-men/d2/2024">INTERACTIVE TOURNAMENT BRACKET</a>

<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/soccer-men/d2/2024"></a>Fort Hays State will be one of three teams from the GAC/MIAA playing in the national tournament. Southern Nazarene (No. 8) and Rogers State (No. 9) will meet each other in the opening round on the other side of the bracket in Saginaw, Mich., where No. 1 seed Saginaw Valley State awaits the winner of that match. Southern Nazarene and Rogers State each received at-large berths into the national tournament.

The other second-round matchup on Fort Hays State's side of the 10-team Super Regional bracket will be No. 3 seed Maryville (Mo.) playing host to No. 6 seed Findlay (Ohio). On the other side of the Super Regional bracket, No. 4 seed Tiffin will play host to No. 5 seed Lewis.

The FHSU Men's Soccer program has put together an impressive run in its young history. After falling just short of making the NCAA Tournament in 2011, the program's first year of existence, the Tigers went on a run of making the NCAA Tournament every season from 2012 to 2021 (9 seasons). They had the longest consecutive streak of tournaments made in the nation until the streak came to an end in 2022. The Tigers have won at least 11 matches in 11 of the 14 years of the program's existence. (11 was unattainable in the COVID shortened 2020-21 season).

If the Tigers advance past the first weekend of play in the national tournament, they would advance to the Round of 16 which is slated for either December 2 or 3. Site of the Round of 16 and national quarterfinal matches will be determined by results within the Super Region bracket this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732014473002.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsINDIANAPOLIS – After a two-year absence, Fort Hays State is back in the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Tournament. The Tigers are making their 10th&nbsp;appearance in the national tournament in just the program's 14th&nbsp;year of existence. The Tigers are the No. 10 seed in Super Region 3 and will take on No. 7 seed Davenport (Mich.) in the opening round in Lebanon, Ill. on Friday . The Tigers enter the national tournament with a record of 12-3-4.The Fort Hays State vs. Davenport opening round match will be hosted by McKendree University, which earned the No. 2 seed in the Super Regional. The Bearcats have an opening round bye and will play the winner of the FHSU/Davenport matchup on Sunday. Both contests in Lebanon will be played at Leemon Field on the campus of McKendree University.<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/print/soccer-men/d2/2024">PRINTABLE&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/print/soccer-men/d2/2024">TOURNAMENT BRACKET</a> <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/soccer-men/d2/2024">INTERACTIVE TOURNAMENT BRACKET</a><a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/soccer-men/d2/2024"></a>Fort Hays State will be one of three teams from the GAC/MIAA playing in the national tournament. Southern Nazarene (No. 8) and Rogers State (No. 9) will meet each other in the opening round on the other side of the bracket in Saginaw, Mich., where No. 1 seed Saginaw Valley State awaits the winner of that match. Southern Nazarene and Rogers State each received at-large berths into the national tournament.The other second-round matchup on Fort Hays State's side of the 10-team Super Regional bracket will be No. 3 seed Maryville (Mo.) playing host to No. 6 seed Findlay (Ohio). On the other side of the Super Regional bracket, No. 4 seed Tiffin will play host to No. 5 seed Lewis.The FHSU Men's Soccer program has put together an impressive run in its young history. After falling just short of making the NCAA Tournament in 2011, the program's first year of existence, the Tigers went on a run of making the NCAA Tournament every season from 2012 to 2021 (9 seasons). They had the longest consecutive streak of tournaments made in the nation until the streak came to an end in 2022. The Tigers have won at least 11 matches in 11 of the 14 years of the program's existence. (11 was unattainable in the COVID shortened 2020-21 season).If the Tigers advance past the first weekend of play in the national tournament, they would advance to the Round of 16 which is slated for either December 2 or 3. Site of the Round of 16 and national quarterfinal matches will be determined by results within the Super Region bracket this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger men 10-seed in Super Region 3, face Davenport in NCAA first round

Monday, November 18
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6pm

Monday, November 18
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6pmTuesday, November 19
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UNC-Wilmington, 5:30pm &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. South Dakota School of Mines, 6:30pmWednesday, November 20
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold, 6:00pmThursday, November 21 noneFriday, November 22
 KKQY: Hoxie FB at
South Central, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High FB at Goddard Eisenhower, 6:30pm
 KAYS: Victoria FB at Dighton, 6:45pmSaturday, November 23
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Colorado, 1:00pmSunday, November 24
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs at Carolina Panthers, 11:00am

The Fort Hays State football team closes out the regular season against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Cope Stadium at Foster Field in Kearney, Neb.

The Fort Hays State football team closes out the regular season against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Cope Stadium at Foster Field in Kearney, Neb.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind: FB at Nebraska-Kearney (Nov. 16, 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=usgyb-17424cb-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: FB at UNK (Nov. 16, 2024)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1858303241391427722">ran for a 26-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;on fourth down with 2:17 left, sealing the Buffalo Bills' 30-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and handing the two-time defending Super Bowl champions their first loss of the season.

James Cook rushed for two touchdowns and Allen threw a 12-yard TD pass to Curtis Samuel for Buffalo (9-2), which closed the gap on Kansas City (9-1) in the race for the AFC’s top seed.

Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs were the NFL's last undefeated team and finally ran out ways to eke out one-score victories and overcome second-half deficits. The Chiefs had won 15 straight, including playoffs, since they fell 20-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 17, 2023.

The Bills have won six straight and moved closer to their sixth straight AFC East title.

Buffalo has defeated the Chiefs in four straight regular-season meetings, though Kansas City holds the postseason edge, having won the past three matchups dating to 2020. And it wouldn't be a surprise if the teams met again in January.

The packed stadium erupted in chants of “MVP!” as the videoboard showed replays of Allen’s touchdown. Bills coach Sean McDermott opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 instead of kicking a field goal for a five-point lead. Allen faked a pass to his left and then broke up the middle, where he bounced off two Chiefs defenders before crossing the goal line.

Allen played through a sore throwing hand, which was examined on the sideline during the game. He finished 27 of 40 for 262 yards with the TDs passing and rushing and an interception.

The rushing touchdown was the 58th of Allen’s career, moving him into second on the Bills list, one ahead of O.J. Simpson, and seven behind Thurman Thomas. Allen’s two-touchdown outing also increased his total to 244, tying Jim Kelly for first in team history.

Buffalo’s defense ended Kansas City's desperate final drive linebacker Terrel Bernard intercepted Mahomes.

Mahomes finished 23 of 33 for 196 yards with three touchdown passes -- two to tight end Noah Gray and another to Xavier Worthy — and two interceptions.

After trading leads five times in their last meeting — Kansas City’s 27-24 win in the divisional playoff round in January — the teams traded leads four times in the first half. Cook scored twice before halftime and Buffalo took a 16-14 lead into the break, one it never relinquished, after Tyler Bass closed the second quarter by hitting a 33-yard field goal.

A highly anticipated showdown between two of the NFL’s top quarterbacks turned into a battle of defenses through three quarters with the teams exchanging seven punts in calm and mild conditions, with temperatures in the high 40s and minimal wind.

The Bills went ahead 23-14 a little over two minutes into the fourth quarter when Allen capped a 10-play, 83-yard drive with a short pass to Samuel, who sidestepped a defender and raced into the end zone.

Mahomes responded by marching the Chiefs on a 10-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard TD catch by Gray with 7:53 left.

The Chiefs had shown resolve in winning their first nine games by a combined 58 points, with four decided on the final play. That included a 16-14 win over Denver last week in which Leo Chenal blocked Wil Lutz’s 35-yard field goal attempt as time expired.

This time there were no late-game dramatics for a Chiefs offense that finished with a season-low 259 yards.

The matchup was just the fifth since 1970 in Week 11 or earlier between teams with eight or more wins. ... Bills DE Von Miller had a sack, moving into sole possession of 17th place on the NFL list with 127 1/2 — one ahead of Derrick Thomas and a half-sack behind Rickey Jackson.

Bills: WR Amari Cooper returned after missing two games with an injury to his left wrist. ... Starting RT Spencer Brown (ankle) did not play.

Bills: After a bye, host San Francisco on Dec. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731889979914.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1858303241391427722">ran for a 26-yard touchdown</a>&nbsp;on fourth down with 2:17 left, sealing the Buffalo Bills' 30-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and handing the two-time defending Super Bowl champions their first loss of the season.James Cook rushed for two touchdowns and Allen threw a 12-yard TD pass to Curtis Samuel for Buffalo (9-2), which closed the gap on Kansas City (9-1) in the race for the AFC’s top seed.Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs were the NFL's last undefeated team and finally ran out ways to eke out one-score victories and overcome second-half deficits. The Chiefs had won 15 straight, including playoffs, since they fell 20-14 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 17, 2023.The Bills have won six straight and moved closer to their sixth straight AFC East title.Buffalo has defeated the Chiefs in four straight regular-season meetings, though Kansas City holds the postseason edge, having won the past three matchups dating to 2020. And it wouldn't be a surprise if the teams met again in January.The packed stadium erupted in chants of “MVP!” as the videoboard showed replays of Allen’s touchdown. Bills coach Sean McDermott opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 instead of kicking a field goal for a five-point lead. Allen faked a pass to his left and then broke up the middle, where he bounced off two Chiefs defenders before crossing the goal line.Allen played through a sore throwing hand, which was examined on the sideline during the game. He finished 27 of 40 for 262 yards with the TDs passing and rushing and an interception.The rushing touchdown was the 58th of Allen’s career, moving him into second on the Bills list, one ahead of O.J. Simpson, and seven behind Thurman Thomas. Allen’s two-touchdown outing also increased his total to 244, tying Jim Kelly for first in team history.Buffalo’s defense ended Kansas City's desperate final drive linebacker Terrel Bernard intercepted Mahomes.Mahomes finished 23 of 33 for 196 yards with three touchdown passes -- two to tight end Noah Gray and another to Xavier Worthy — and two interceptions.After trading leads five times in their last meeting — Kansas City’s 27-24 win in the divisional playoff round in January — the teams traded leads four times in the first half. Cook scored twice before halftime and Buffalo took a 16-14 lead into the break, one it never relinquished, after Tyler Bass closed the second quarter by hitting a 33-yard field goal.A highly anticipated showdown between two of the NFL’s top quarterbacks turned into a battle of defenses through three quarters with the teams exchanging seven punts in calm and mild conditions, with temperatures in the high 40s and minimal wind.The Bills went ahead 23-14 a little over two minutes into the fourth quarter when Allen capped a 10-play, 83-yard drive with a short pass to Samuel, who sidestepped a defender and raced into the end zone.Mahomes responded by marching the Chiefs on a 10-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard TD catch by Gray with 7:53 left.The Chiefs had shown resolve in winning their first nine games by a combined 58 points, with four decided on the final play. That included a 16-14 win over Denver last week in which Leo Chenal blocked Wil Lutz’s 35-yard field goal attempt as time expired.This time there were no late-game dramatics for a Chiefs offense that finished with a season-low 259 yards.<h2>Names and numbers</h2>The matchup was just the fifth since 1970 in Week 11 or earlier between teams with eight or more wins. ... Bills DE Von Miller had a sack, moving into sole possession of 17th place on the NFL list with 127 1/2 — one ahead of Derrick Thomas and a half-sack behind Rickey Jackson.<h2>Injuries</h2>Bills: WR Amari Cooper returned after missing two games with an injury to his left wrist. ... Starting RT Spencer Brown (ankle) did not play.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: At Carolina next Sunday.Bills: After a bye, host San Francisco on Dec. 1.___

🏈 Buffalo hands Kansas City first loss of the season

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ARNIE%20STAPLETON%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>DENVER (AP) — Bo Nix set career bests by completing 85% of his passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns Sunday. Yet it was Javonte Williams' 14-yard touchdown run that really delighted the Denver Broncos' rookie quarterback.

Williams&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1858266956371030076">got a push</a>&nbsp;into the end zone from a half-dozen of his teammates after being stood up at the 5-yard line by former teammate Justin Simmons, and the Broncos rolled past the Atlanta Falcons 38-6 on Sunday.

“No one play ever defines any game,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “(But) that was a great-effort play by those guys and not a great-effort play by us. You've got to give those guys a lot of credit for playing hard, playing physical. And they absolutely went out there and beat us today with their effort and their physicality, and that was a key to the game.”

Game-defining or not, Nix suggested Williams' TD run summarized the Broncos' resolve following last week's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/field-goal-blocked-choke-49ers-broncos-263ba99bcd27e95ae4e70975d13b27ce">gut-wrenching loss at Kansas City</a>&nbsp;in which the Chiefs blocked a game-winning field goal try as time expired.

Simmons tried to stop Williams at the 5-yard line, holding his ground for a second or two as reinforcements arrived from both teams for a shoving match that resembled a rugby scrum.

“My feet came off the ground and I was still moving,” Williams said. “I said is must be Quinn (Meinerz). It was a collective effort. I felt like everybody played well today on both sides of the ball.”

That shove into the end zone isn't something they practice, Williams said.

“Naw, they just saw me and Justin 1-on-1,” he said. “We kind of stalemated and after that the cavalry came.”

And they shoved Williams, Simmons and the rest across the goal line to complete the scoring run that gave Denver a tone-setting 14-3 lead.

“I think that play is kind of the epitome of this week,” Nix said. “Those are the plays that you love to see from an offense — one united team that's going for one goal. ... Just keep fighting and finding ways to get the touchdown.”

Nix, who was 28 of 33, joined Hall of Famer Peyton Manning as the only rookie QBs in NFL history to throw for 200-plus yards with two or more touchdowns in four consecutive home games. And he joined Dak Prescott (2016) as the only rookies to post four games with a 70% or better completion rate with multiple touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Broncos (6-5) snapped a two-game skid and made it an unhappy homecoming for Simmons, who spent his first eight seasons in Denver before the Broncos unloaded his $18.5 million salary last winter. Simmons signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Falcons (6-5), who have lost two in a row.

“I’ve got to find a different way to get him down," said Simmons, who had five tackles and decided against throwing Williams to his left or right, lest he end up getting twisted and throwing him across the goal line.

“So I’m trying to just drive my feet,” Simmons said. “I probably could have knifed him. But in my head, I’m the last line of defense. I’m just trying to drive it back.”

Simmons called that play “a little sample size” of Denver's domination Sunday.

Nix provided the main course with touchdown throws of 12 yards to tight end Nate Adkins and speedster Marvin Mims Jr. as Denver took a 21-6 halftime lead. In the second half, he hit&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/oregonfootball/status/1858284728031543464">fellow rookie and Oregon alum Troy Franklin</a>&nbsp;from 7 yards out and Lil'Jordan Humphrey with a 41-yarder that capped the scoring and ended Nix's day as backup Jarrett Stidham cleaned up.

With the game out of hand, Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. replaced Kirk Cousins (18 of 27 for 173 yards, no TDs and one interception). Penix promptly completed a 20-yard pass to Ray-Ray McCloud III. Penix finished 2 of 4 for 24 yards.

The Broncos swept the NFC South by a cumulative 125-37. It marks Denver's first sweep of a division since they went 4-0 against the NFC North in 2015. Asked if he just had institutional knowledge of his old division or was on some sort of revenge tour, Denvder coach Sean Payton retorted, “No, no, no. I mean, look, we're just focused on winning. I could say something smart but I'm not going to.”

Kaden Elliss had nine tackles for Atlanta but was upstaged by his little brother, Jonah Elliss, who had a key sack for Denver along with a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.

Falcons CB Kevin King was ruled out in the second quarter with a concussion and WR Darnell Mooney pulled a hamstring in the third quarter. Atlanta ruled out eight players before the game, including several starters on defense. ... In the fourth quarter, DL Zach Harrison went out with a knee injury and WR Casey Washington walked off to the locker room with an unspecified injury after a deep incompletion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731928129842.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) works in the pocket as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Kentavius Street (93) pressures during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) works in the pocket as Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Kentavius Street (93) pressures during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ARNIE%20STAPLETON%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>DENVER (AP) — Bo Nix set career bests by completing 85% of his passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns Sunday. Yet it was Javonte Williams' 14-yard touchdown run that really delighted the Denver Broncos' rookie quarterback.Williams&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1858266956371030076">got a push</a>&nbsp;into the end zone from a half-dozen of his teammates after being stood up at the 5-yard line by former teammate Justin Simmons, and the Broncos rolled past the Atlanta Falcons 38-6 on Sunday.“No one play ever defines any game,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “(But) that was a great-effort play by those guys and not a great-effort play by us. You've got to give those guys a lot of credit for playing hard, playing physical. And they absolutely went out there and beat us today with their effort and their physicality, and that was a key to the game.”Game-defining or not, Nix suggested Williams' TD run summarized the Broncos' resolve following last week's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/field-goal-blocked-choke-49ers-broncos-263ba99bcd27e95ae4e70975d13b27ce">gut-wrenching loss at Kansas City</a>&nbsp;in which the Chiefs blocked a game-winning field goal try as time expired.Simmons tried to stop Williams at the 5-yard line, holding his ground for a second or two as reinforcements arrived from both teams for a shoving match that resembled a rugby scrum.“My feet came off the ground and I was still moving,” Williams said. “I said is must be Quinn (Meinerz). It was a collective effort. I felt like everybody played well today on both sides of the ball.”That shove into the end zone isn't something they practice, Williams said.“Naw, they just saw me and Justin 1-on-1,” he said. “We kind of stalemated and after that the cavalry came.”And they shoved Williams, Simmons and the rest across the goal line to complete the scoring run that gave Denver a tone-setting 14-3 lead.“I think that play is kind of the epitome of this week,” Nix said. “Those are the plays that you love to see from an offense — one united team that's going for one goal. ... Just keep fighting and finding ways to get the touchdown.”Nix, who was 28 of 33, joined Hall of Famer Peyton Manning as the only rookie QBs in NFL history to throw for 200-plus yards with two or more touchdowns in four consecutive home games. And he joined Dak Prescott (2016) as the only rookies to post four games with a 70% or better completion rate with multiple touchdowns and no interceptions.The Broncos (6-5) snapped a two-game skid and made it an unhappy homecoming for Simmons, who spent his first eight seasons in Denver before the Broncos unloaded his $18.5 million salary last winter. Simmons signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Falcons (6-5), who have lost two in a row.“I’ve got to find a different way to get him down," said Simmons, who had five tackles and decided against throwing Williams to his left or right, lest he end up getting twisted and throwing him across the goal line.“So I’m trying to just drive my feet,” Simmons said. “I probably could have knifed him. But in my head, I’m the last line of defense. I’m just trying to drive it back.”Simmons called that play “a little sample size” of Denver's domination Sunday.Nix provided the main course with touchdown throws of 12 yards to tight end Nate Adkins and speedster Marvin Mims Jr. as Denver took a 21-6 halftime lead. In the second half, he hit&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/oregonfootball/status/1858284728031543464">fellow rookie and Oregon alum Troy Franklin</a>&nbsp;from 7 yards out and Lil'Jordan Humphrey with a 41-yarder that capped the scoring and ended Nix's day as backup Jarrett Stidham cleaned up.<h2>Penix sighting</h2>With the game out of hand, Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. replaced Kirk Cousins (18 of 27 for 173 yards, no TDs and one interception). Penix promptly completed a 20-yard pass to Ray-Ray McCloud III. Penix finished 2 of 4 for 24 yards.<h2>Sweet sweep</h2>The Broncos swept the NFC South by a cumulative 125-37. It marks Denver's first sweep of a division since they went 4-0 against the NFC North in 2015. Asked if he just had institutional knowledge of his old division or was on some sort of revenge tour, Denvder coach Sean Payton retorted, “No, no, no. I mean, look, we're just focused on winning. I could say something smart but I'm not going to.”<h2>Elliss &amp; Elliss</h2>Kaden Elliss had nine tackles for Atlanta but was upstaged by his little brother, Jonah Elliss, who had a key sack for Denver along with a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss.<h2>Injuries</h2>Falcons CB Kevin King was ruled out in the second quarter with a concussion and WR Darnell Mooney pulled a hamstring in the third quarter. Atlanta ruled out eight players before the game, including several starters on defense. ... In the fourth quarter, DL Zach Harrison went out with a knee injury and WR Casey Washington walked off to the locker room with an unspecified injury after a deep incompletion.Broncos S Brandon Jones (abdomen), who replaced Simmons in free agency, was ruled out and replaced by Devon Key, who had four tackles.<h2>Up next</h2>Falcons: Host the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 1 following their bye week.Broncos: At Las Vegas next Sunday.