&nbsp; BETHANY, Okla. - In a heart-wrenching GAC/MIAA Tournament clash, the No. 3 seed Fort Hays State Tigers faced a tough challenge against the No. 2 Rogers State Hillcats in a contest that unfolded with raw intensity and nail-biting drama.

The initial half showcased a relentless effort from the Tigers, launching seven shot attempts while the Hillcats could only get off four. However, despite the efforts, the scoreboard remained untouched, with Fort Hays State and Rogers State locked in a tense 0-0 standoff.

As the second half commenced, the stakes soared, and the players demonstrated unwavering determination. Shots were fired, attacks were mounted, but the Hillcats' goalkeeper, Declan Viljoen, and Tiger's graduate student, Ben Dixon, showcased their shot-stopping prowess, denying any breakthroughs. The defensive fortitude from both sides was admirable, creating a deadlock that only heightened the anticipation. The regulation time ended with no victor, setting the stage for an intense overtime period.

In the first overtime period, there was a moment that etched in agony for the Tigers. The Hillcats' Hugo Martin found an opening and netted the overtime goal. The Tigers had two chances to even the scoring in OT with two shots from forward Elias Ovelar Semeniuk.&nbsp;As the final whistle blew, the Tigers, despite their valiant efforts, found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline.&nbsp;

The Tigers mustered a total of 15 shots, with 8 on target, showcasing their offensive intent. The goalkeeping heroics of Ben Dixon, who faced a barrage of shots, were commendable throughout the match. Possession seesawed between the teams, with Rogers State having the ball for 47% of the match, leaving our Tigers with 53% control.

This loss marks the end of the season for FHSU Men's Soccer as they finish the season 8-8-2 and 7-3-2 in the GAC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699688796973.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics&nbsp; BETHANY, Okla. - In a heart-wrenching GAC/MIAA Tournament clash, the No. 3 seed Fort Hays State Tigers faced a tough challenge against the No. 2 Rogers State Hillcats in a contest that unfolded with raw intensity and nail-biting drama.The initial half showcased a relentless effort from the Tigers, launching seven shot attempts while the Hillcats could only get off four. However, despite the efforts, the scoreboard remained untouched, with Fort Hays State and Rogers State locked in a tense 0-0 standoff.As the second half commenced, the stakes soared, and the players demonstrated unwavering determination. Shots were fired, attacks were mounted, but the Hillcats' goalkeeper, Declan Viljoen, and Tiger's graduate student, Ben Dixon, showcased their shot-stopping prowess, denying any breakthroughs. The defensive fortitude from both sides was admirable, creating a deadlock that only heightened the anticipation. The regulation time ended with no victor, setting the stage for an intense overtime period.In the first overtime period, there was a moment that etched in agony for the Tigers. The Hillcats' Hugo Martin found an opening and netted the overtime goal. The Tigers had two chances to even the scoring in OT with two shots from forward Elias Ovelar Semeniuk.&nbsp;As the final whistle blew, the Tigers, despite their valiant efforts, found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline.&nbsp;The Tigers mustered a total of 15 shots, with 8 on target, showcasing their offensive intent. The goalkeeping heroics of Ben Dixon, who faced a barrage of shots, were commendable throughout the match. Possession seesawed between the teams, with Rogers State having the ball for 47% of the match, leaving our Tigers with 53% control.This loss marks the end of the season for FHSU Men's Soccer as they finish the season 8-8-2 and 7-3-2 in the GAC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger men fall to Hillcats in overtime thriller in GAC/MIAA semis

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team opened the 2023-24 season and the Talia Kahrs&nbsp;era with a 79-54 win over Minot State Friday afternoon (Nov. 10) in the Central Region Showcase. The Tigers (1-0) hit better than 50 percent from the floor (32-of-63) and had six players score eight or more points in the victory.

Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;opened the game with a layup after winning the opening tip, giving the Lincoln, Neb. native 1,000 career points as a Tiger. She is the 25th player in program history to reach the milestone. Hollenbeck finished the day 5-for-5 from the floor, scoring 11 points alongside five rebounds and one block.

More than half of FHSU's points came off the bench (41 bench points), including a game-high 12 points from Clary Donica&nbsp;and 10 from Ellie Stearns. FHSU held Minot State (1-3) without a double-digit scorer and limited the Beavers to 33.3 percent shooting from the floor (18-of-54).Both teams got off to a slow start, combining to shoot less than 30 percent from the floor in the opening quarter. Fort Hays State led 13-7 after the first 10 minutes, but MSU closed within one possession after opening the second quarter with a 3-pointer. The Tigers scored the next seven points to push the lead to double figures, including another Hollenbeck layup and a 3-pointer from Megan Earney.

Fort Hays State later closed the first half by scoring the final seven points, including five from Sydney Golladay&nbsp;and two from Stearns, giving the Tigers a 38-24 lead at halftime.

The Tigers would maintain their double-digit advantage the rest of the afternoon, eventually leading by as many as 33 points following a stick-back layup from Mallory Cowman late in the third quarter. Fort Hays State was nearly perfect out of the locker room, knocking down 10-of-13 from the floor during the third stanza. Donica (3-for-3), Katie Wagner&nbsp;(2-for-2) and Emma Ruddle&nbsp;(2-for-2) combined to go a perfect 8-for-8 from the floor during the period.

Minot State won the fourth quarter, 19-14, but enough damage had been done over the first 30 minutes to give the Tigers a comfortable winning margin.

Fort Hays State dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Beavers 43-28. The Tigers collected 14 offensive rebounds, including three each from Donica and Kate Dilsaver, helping the Tigers to 21 second-chance points. FHSU outscored Minot State in the paint, 42-20.

Brooke Loewe&nbsp;led the team in assists, dishing out five assists to go along with four points, two rebounds and one steal. Golladay added four assists while tying with Stearns and Landon Forbes&nbsp;with two steals.

The Tigers poured in 9-of-29 from behind the arc (31.0 percent), including a 3-for-5 effort from Ruddle.

Fort Hays State will wrap up the weekend inside the St. Joseph Civic Arena Saturday (Nov. 10) with a matchup against No. 2 Minnesota State beginning at 2:45 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699688488503.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State forward Olivia Hollenbeck goes in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA women's basketball game vs. Minot State in St. Joseph, Missouri, Friday, November 10, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State forward Olivia Hollenbeck goes in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA women's basketball game vs. Minot State in St. Joseph, Missouri, Friday, November 10, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team opened the 2023-24 season and the Talia Kahrs&nbsp;era with a 79-54 win over Minot State Friday afternoon (Nov. 10) in the Central Region Showcase. The Tigers (1-0) hit better than 50 percent from the floor (32-of-63) and had six players score eight or more points in the victory.<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/1662066996&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-814667509/11-10-23-fhsu-womens-coach-talia-kahrs-post-game-interview" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Minot State (Nov. 10, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Minot State (Nov. 10, 2023)</a></div></div>Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;opened the game with a layup after winning the opening tip, giving the Lincoln, Neb. native 1,000 career points as a Tiger. She is the 25th player in program history to reach the milestone. Hollenbeck finished the day 5-for-5 from the floor, scoring 11 points alongside five rebounds and one block.More than half of FHSU's points came off the bench (41 bench points), including a game-high 12 points from Clary Donica&nbsp;and 10 from Ellie Stearns. FHSU held Minot State (1-3) without a double-digit scorer and limited the Beavers to 33.3 percent shooting from the floor (18-of-54).Both teams got off to a slow start, combining to shoot less than 30 percent from the floor in the opening quarter. Fort Hays State led 13-7 after the first 10 minutes, but MSU closed within one possession after opening the second quarter with a 3-pointer. The Tigers scored the next seven points to push the lead to double figures, including another Hollenbeck layup and a 3-pointer from Megan Earney.Fort Hays State later closed the first half by scoring the final seven points, including five from Sydney Golladay&nbsp;and two from Stearns, giving the Tigers a 38-24 lead at halftime.<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/1662067047&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-814667509/11-10-23-fhsu-wbkb-vs-minot-state-highlights" title="Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Minot State (Nov. 10, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Minot State (Nov. 10, 2023)</a></div></div>The Tigers would maintain their double-digit advantage the rest of the afternoon, eventually leading by as many as 33 points following a stick-back layup from Mallory Cowman late in the third quarter. Fort Hays State was nearly perfect out of the locker room, knocking down 10-of-13 from the floor during the third stanza. Donica (3-for-3), Katie Wagner&nbsp;(2-for-2) and Emma Ruddle&nbsp;(2-for-2) combined to go a perfect 8-for-8 from the floor during the period.Minot State won the fourth quarter, 19-14, but enough damage had been done over the first 30 minutes to give the Tigers a comfortable winning margin.Fort Hays State dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Beavers 43-28. The Tigers collected 14 offensive rebounds, including three each from Donica and Kate Dilsaver, helping the Tigers to 21 second-chance points. FHSU outscored Minot State in the paint, 42-20.Brooke Loewe&nbsp;led the team in assists, dishing out five assists to go along with four points, two rebounds and one steal. Golladay added four assists while tying with Stearns and Landon Forbes&nbsp;with two steals.The Tigers poured in 9-of-29 from behind the arc (31.0 percent), including a 3-for-5 effort from Ruddle.Fort Hays State will wrap up the weekend inside the St. Joseph Civic Arena Saturday (Nov. 10) with a matchup against No. 2 Minnesota State beginning at 2:45 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 FHSU women open season with win, Hollenbeck reaches 1,000 points

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half and Kansas State cruised to its first win in two starts, beating Bellarmine 83-75 in its home opener on Friday night.

The Wildcats bounced back from a 82-69 loss to USC in Las Vegas Monday night, their first loss in a season opener since 2020.

Kansas State built a 15-point lead at intermission as Cam Carter scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half and had four steals. Perry knocked down three 3-pointers and all six of his free-throw attempts in the final 20 minutes and finished with five assists and a steal. Arthur Kaluma and Darrin Ames each contributed 12 points and Ames added a team-high six assists to go with three steals.

Bash Wieland had 17 points, seven boards and three assists to lead Bellarmine (0-2), beginning its fourth season as a Division I program. Langdon Hatton added 14 points and Ben Johnson 12.

Kansas State will play host to South Dakota State Monday. Bellarmine continues its four-game road trip to open the season when it plays at Chattanooga Tuesday. The Knights will play their first home game Nov. 20 against Morehead State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699750024348.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Cam Carter goes in for a dunk in the second half of an NCAA basketball game with Bellarmine in Manhattan, Kan., Friday, November 10, 2022. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Cam Carter goes in for a dunk in the second half of an NCAA basketball game with Bellarmine in Manhattan, Kan., Friday, November 10, 2022. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half and Kansas State cruised to its first win in two starts, beating Bellarmine 83-75 in its home opener on Friday night.The Wildcats bounced back from a 82-69 loss to USC in Las Vegas Monday night, their first loss in a season opener since 2020.Kansas State built a 15-point lead at intermission as Cam Carter scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half and had four steals. Perry knocked down three 3-pointers and all six of his free-throw attempts in the final 20 minutes and finished with five assists and a steal. Arthur Kaluma and Darrin Ames each contributed 12 points and Ames added a team-high six assists to go with three steals.Bash Wieland had 17 points, seven boards and three assists to lead Bellarmine (0-2), beginning its fourth season as a Division I program. Langdon Hatton added 14 points and Ben Johnson 12.Kansas State will play host to South Dakota State Monday. Bellarmine continues its four-game road trip to open the season when it plays at Chattanooga Tuesday. The Knights will play their first home game Nov. 20 against Morehead State.

🏀 Perry's 15-point second half carries Kansas State past Bellarmine

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Top-ranked Kansas has cruised to a pair of easy wins in a season that hasn't even begun.

At least, not as far as Bill Self is concerned.

After romping past North Carolina Central earlier in the week, the Jayhawks cruise to a 99-61 victory over Manhattan on Friday night. In both of the games, Kansas took a big early lead, shot the ball well and made life miserable for its opponents on defense.

“Now the season starts,” Self said. “We played fairly well getting through them but now we have to really hunker down.”

That's because the Jayhawks (2-0) have No. 16 Kentucky next in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball">the Champions Classic on Tuesday night</a>. Then they head to the Maui Invitational, where a stacked field includes No. 3 Purdue, No. 5 Marquette, No. 9 Tennessee, No. 11 Gonzaga, Syracuse and Tennessee. And soon after returning home, sixth-ranked and defending national champ UConn visits Allen Fieldhouse.

“It'll be a totally different animal than what we've experienced so far,” Self said, “but we'll be very excited about it.”

The Jayhawks got contributions from just about everyone on Friday night. Hunter Dickinson had 18 points and eight rebounds, Kevin McCullar Jr. and Johnny Furphy added 15 points apiece, and KJ Adams Jr. finished with 14 points. Elmarko Jackson added 10 assists and nine points.

“We're super athletic. You look at our roster, you have a lot of guys that can make a lot of different plays," McCullar said. We've got guys that can make high-impact plays and that gives us energy and life when we're playing at home."

Seydou Traore had 16 points to lead Manhattan (1-1), which trailed 17-4 in the opening minutes and 44-19 by halftime.

Unlike their opener, when the Jayhawks were lights-out from beyond the arc against North Carolina Central, they relied on their bruising interior players to beat up the Jaspers on Friday night.

The 6-foot-7 Adams, who played an undersized post most of last season, took advantage of the 7-2 Dickinson eating up space in the paint all night. The attention drawn by the Michigan transfer allowed Adams to get loose for six dunks, including one for the Jayhawks' first points and another on an ally-oop slam late in the first half.

“That's a pretty exciting way to play,” Furphy admitted. “It brings a lot of energy, definitely.”

The Jayhawks' massive size advantage paid off on defense, too. They had nine blocks by the time they hit the locker room, and that contributed to 9-for-33 first-half shooting by the Jaspers that allowed the game to get out of hand.

“It felt good," said Furphy, who scored his 15 points in just 20 minutes of floor time. “I think it's really exciting when we generate our offense from the defensive end. I think that's kind of the best way to play.”

Manhattan has a new coach in John Gallagher and almost an entirely new team, including seven freshmen and eight transfers. The growing pains were evident against the best team the Jaspers will likely face all season.

Kansas dominated across the board, out-rebounding the Jaspers 45-32, outscoring them in the paint 50-20 and shooting 57% percent from the field. If not for 14 turnovers, and some second-half defensive lapses, Self would have had little to critique.

Manhattan: Hosts Division II member Felician on Thursday night.

Kansas: vs. Kentucky on Tuesday night in Chicago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699750488317.png" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Top-ranked Kansas has cruised to a pair of easy wins in a season that hasn't even begun.At least, not as far as Bill Self is concerned.After romping past North Carolina Central earlier in the week, the Jayhawks cruise to a 99-61 victory over Manhattan on Friday night. In both of the games, Kansas took a big early lead, shot the ball well and made life miserable for its opponents on defense.“Now the season starts,” Self said. “We played fairly well getting through them but now we have to really hunker down.”That's because the Jayhawks (2-0) have No. 16 Kentucky next in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball">the Champions Classic on Tuesday night</a>. Then they head to the Maui Invitational, where a stacked field includes No. 3 Purdue, No. 5 Marquette, No. 9 Tennessee, No. 11 Gonzaga, Syracuse and Tennessee. And soon after returning home, sixth-ranked and defending national champ UConn visits Allen Fieldhouse.“It'll be a totally different animal than what we've experienced so far,” Self said, “but we'll be very excited about it.”The Jayhawks got contributions from just about everyone on Friday night. Hunter Dickinson had 18 points and eight rebounds, Kevin McCullar Jr. and Johnny Furphy added 15 points apiece, and KJ Adams Jr. finished with 14 points. Elmarko Jackson added 10 assists and nine points.“We're super athletic. You look at our roster, you have a lot of guys that can make a lot of different plays," McCullar said. We've got guys that can make high-impact plays and that gives us energy and life when we're playing at home."Seydou Traore had 16 points to lead Manhattan (1-1), which trailed 17-4 in the opening minutes and 44-19 by halftime.Unlike their opener, when the Jayhawks were lights-out from beyond the arc against North Carolina Central, they relied on their bruising interior players to beat up the Jaspers on Friday night.The 6-foot-7 Adams, who played an undersized post most of last season, took advantage of the 7-2 Dickinson eating up space in the paint all night. The attention drawn by the Michigan transfer allowed Adams to get loose for six dunks, including one for the Jayhawks' first points and another on an ally-oop slam late in the first half.“That's a pretty exciting way to play,” Furphy admitted. “It brings a lot of energy, definitely.”The Jayhawks' massive size advantage paid off on defense, too. They had nine blocks by the time they hit the locker room, and that contributed to 9-for-33 first-half shooting by the Jaspers that allowed the game to get out of hand.“It felt good," said Furphy, who scored his 15 points in just 20 minutes of floor time. “I think it's really exciting when we generate our offense from the defensive end. I think that's kind of the best way to play.”BIG PICTUREManhattan has a new coach in John Gallagher and almost an entirely new team, including seven freshmen and eight transfers. The growing pains were evident against the best team the Jaspers will likely face all season.Kansas dominated across the board, out-rebounding the Jaspers 45-32, outscoring them in the paint 50-20 and shooting 57% percent from the field. If not for 14 turnovers, and some second-half defensive lapses, Self would have had little to critique.UP NEXTManhattan: Hosts Division II member Felician on Thursday night.Kansas: vs. Kentucky on Tuesday night in Chicago.

🏀 Dickinson, Adams help No. 1 Kansas power past Manhattan

Fort Hays State vs. Southwestern Oklahoma State Friday, November 10 - 7:45 p.m. Emporia, Kan. - White Auditorium

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

Fort Hays State vs. Arkansas Tech Saturday, November 11 - 5:45 p.m. Emporia, Kan. - White Auditorium

Fort Hays State Men's Basketball opens its 2023-24 regular season with a pair of games against opponents from the Great American Conference this Friday and Saturday in Emporia, Kan. The Tigers take on Southwestern Oklahoma State on Friday at 7:45 p.m., then Arkansas Tech on Saturday at 5:45 p.m.

This will be the fourth time out of the last five seasons that FHSU opens its season with Southwestern Oklahoma State and Arkansas Tech. Emporia State has done the same as ESU will be the last of the four schools to host the season-opening weekend among the four teams.&nbsp; FHSU has seen success against SWOSU and ATU during this gathering between the teams, going 5-1 since 2019. FHSU defeated both teams in Russellville, Arkansas (2019) and Hays (2021) before splitting in Weatherford, Oklahoma (2022). Last year FHSU fell to SWOSU in the season opener by three points, but bounced back for a nine-point win over Arkansas Tech.

Emporia has been a place of success for the Tigers. FHSU has won nine of its last 10 games played in White Auditorium, all of which were against Emporia State. FHSU has won its last two games in the facility.

The Tigers are coming off a 21-9 season in 2022-23. They went 15-7 in MIAA to tie for third place with Emporia State. The Tigers saw their season close in the MIAA Tournament semifinals against Central Oklahoma. Northwest Missouri State, Central Oklahoma, and Emporia State are all among the NABC Top 25 to start the 2023-24 season, while Fort Hays State is receiving votes.

Southwestern Oklahoma State is in its first season under head coach Brett Weiberg. He is a familiar name to the Tigers after serving as head coach of Missouri Western for five seasons from 2013 to 2018. The Bulldogs are coming off a 12-16 record in 2022-23. Ben Smith is their top returning scorer at 15.0 points per game.

Arkansas Tech was picked second in the Great American Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The Wonder Boys went 16-15 overall last year. They are guided by Mark Downey, also a familiar name to the Tigers, after coaching Northeastern State for three seasons from 2017 to 2020. Taelon Peter is the top returning scorer for ATU at 15.5 points per game.

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;is the top returning scorer for the Tigers at 16.4 points per game. An All-MIAA First Team and NABC All-District Second Team selection for the Central Region as season ago, Hammeke also led the Tigers in assists at 3.6 per game, while shooting 81.2 percent from the free-throw line. Returning all-conference performers joining Hammeke are Elijah Nnanabu and Bjarni Jonsson, who each earned honorable mention selections last year. Jonsson was named to the conference's All-Defensive Team for a second straight year as well. Six newcomers join eight returners (six that played last year) to make up FHSU's 14-man roster.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699479918108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State vs. Southwestern Oklahoma State Friday, November 10 - 7:45 p.m. Emporia, Kan. - White AuditoriumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State vs. Arkansas Tech Saturday, November 11 - 5:45 p.m. Emporia, Kan. - White AuditoriumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State Men's Basketball opens its 2023-24 regular season with a pair of games against opponents from the Great American Conference this Friday and Saturday in Emporia, Kan. The Tigers take on Southwestern Oklahoma State on Friday at 7:45 p.m., then Arkansas Tech on Saturday at 5:45 p.m.This will be the fourth time out of the last five seasons that FHSU opens its season with Southwestern Oklahoma State and Arkansas Tech. Emporia State has done the same as ESU will be the last of the four schools to host the season-opening weekend among the four teams.&nbsp; FHSU has seen success against SWOSU and ATU during this gathering between the teams, going 5-1 since 2019. FHSU defeated both teams in Russellville, Arkansas (2019) and Hays (2021) before splitting in Weatherford, Oklahoma (2022). Last year FHSU fell to SWOSU in the season opener by three points, but bounced back for a nine-point win over Arkansas Tech.Emporia has been a place of success for the Tigers. FHSU has won nine of its last 10 games played in White Auditorium, all of which were against Emporia State. FHSU has won its last two games in the facility.The Tigers are coming off a 21-9 season in 2022-23. They went 15-7 in MIAA to tie for third place with Emporia State. The Tigers saw their season close in the MIAA Tournament semifinals against Central Oklahoma. Northwest Missouri State, Central Oklahoma, and Emporia State are all among the NABC Top 25 to start the 2023-24 season, while Fort Hays State is receiving votes.Southwestern Oklahoma State is in its first season under head coach Brett Weiberg. He is a familiar name to the Tigers after serving as head coach of Missouri Western for five seasons from 2013 to 2018. The Bulldogs are coming off a 12-16 record in 2022-23. Ben Smith is their top returning scorer at 15.0 points per game.Arkansas Tech was picked second in the Great American Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The Wonder Boys went 16-15 overall last year. They are guided by Mark Downey, also a familiar name to the Tigers, after coaching Northeastern State for three seasons from 2017 to 2020. Taelon Peter is the top returning scorer for ATU at 15.5 points per game.Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;is the top returning scorer for the Tigers at 16.4 points per game. An All-MIAA First Team and NABC All-District Second Team selection for the Central Region as season ago, Hammeke also led the Tigers in assists at 3.6 per game, while shooting 81.2 percent from the free-throw line. Returning all-conference performers joining Hammeke are Elijah Nnanabu and Bjarni Jonsson, who each earned honorable mention selections last year. Jonsson was named to the conference's All-Defensive Team for a second straight year as well. Six newcomers join eight returners (six that played last year) to make up FHSU's 14-man roster.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - Tiger men open season in Emporia against pair of GAC teams

Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at 2023 NCAA Division II Central Region Showcase St. Joseph, Mo. • Civic Arena

vs. Minot State (1-2, 0-0 NSIC) Friday, November 10 • 2:45 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

vs. No. 2 Minnesota State (2-1, 0-0 NSIC) Saturday, November 11 • 2:45 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will open the 55th season in program history this weekend (Nov. 10-11) with a pair of regional matchups in St. Joseph, Mo. at the 2023 NCAA Division II Central Region Showcase. The Tigers will kick off the new year Friday against Minot State before battling second-ranked Minnesota State on Saturday afternoon. Both contests are slated to begin at 2:45 p.m. inside the St. Joseph Civic Arena.

The 2023-24 season will be the first under head coach Talia Kahrs, who was introduced as the seventh head coach in program history on April 13, 2023. No stranger to Tiger basketball, Kahrs has been a part of the program for each of the last 15 seasons, including three as a player, one as a student-assistant and 11 as an assistant coach. She helped the Tigers to 293 wins as an assistant coach, including 12-consecutive 20-win seasons, which is the longest active streak in Division II.

The Tigers return 12 letterwinners from last year's team that went 20-12 overall, including all five starters and two All-MIAA performers in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/7531">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;(first team) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/7525">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;(third team). FHSU added a trio of true freshmen this year, all three of which were All-State selections in Kansas. Fort Hays State returns nearly all of its offensive efficiency from last season, with the Tigers bringing back players responsible for 96.2 percent of last year's points, 97.7 percent of last year's rebounds and 97.8 percent of last year's assists.

Fort Hays State is 36-18 all-time in season openers. The Tigers have dominated non-conference opponents of late, with FHSU winning 87 of the last 91 non-conference, regular season contests.

The Tigers were picked fourth in both MIAA preseason polls. FHSU has been no lower than fifth in the preseason conference rankings each of the last 12 years.

Wagner averages a double-double against Minnesota State, putting up 20 points, 13.5 rebounds and two assists per game in two career matchups.

Hollenbeck enters her fourth year with the Tigers with 998 points, needing just two points to become the 25th 1000-point scorer in program history.

Fort Hays State went 2-0 in its last trip to Civic Arena, with the Tigers knocking off Minnesota Duluth (59-51) and Concordia-St. Paul (67-54) in the 2019 Hillyard Tip-Off Classic.

This is the first-ever matchup between Fort Hays State and Minot State, while the Tigers are 2-2 all-time against Minnesota State. The Mavericks are 2-0 against FHSU in the regular season, while Fort Hays State has a pair of postseason victories against MSU in the NCAA DII Central Region Tournament. The Tigers are 49-18 all-time against current NSIC teams. After Friday's contest with the Beavers, FHSU will have played every Northern Sun program except Minnesota Crookston and U-Mary.

No. 15 Minnesota State handed No. 3 Fort Hays State a 65-63 home loss early last season (11/18/22) after Destinee Bursch poured in a high-arching shot over the top of two outreached defenders from just in front of the Maverick bench as time expired to secure the victory. Jessie Sallach&nbsp;had tied things up with a 15-foot jumper with 3.4 seconds left before the Mavericks clinched the win at the buzzer. Wagner paced the Tigers with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Ellie Stearns&nbsp;hit 3-of-7 from behind the arc.

Minot State is off to a 1-2 start after a narrow loss against No. 3 Tampa, a win over Florida Tech and a loss against No. 8 Angelo State. The Beavers were picked to finish 15th in the Northern Sun after going 12-16 overall last season, including an 8-14 mark in NSIC contests. Emma Mogan was picked as an NSIC Preseason Player to Watch after averaging 6.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game a year ago. Sydney Gustavsson leads the teams in points through three games, averaging 13.7 per night.

Minnesota State was picked No. 2 in both the preseason WBCA Coaches Poll and the preseason D2CSC Media Poll after going 26-5 overall last season and winning the NSIC South at 19-3. The Mavericks are 2-1 so far this season, including wins over Florida Tech and Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville and a five-point loss to No. 24 Texas Woman's University. MSU is averaging 76.7 points per game so far this year thanks to a 43.6 field goal percentage. Destinee Bursch leads the team with 15.7 points per game, with Natalie Bremer close behind with an average of 14.0 points per night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699566244220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State Women's Basketball (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at 2023 NCAA Division II Central Region Showcase St. Joseph, Mo. • Civic Arenavs. Minot State (1-2, 0-0 NSIC) Friday, November 10 • 2:45 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a> vs. No. 2 Minnesota State (2-1, 0-0 NSIC) Saturday, November 11 • 2:45 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a> The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will open the 55th season in program history this weekend (Nov. 10-11) with a pair of regional matchups in St. Joseph, Mo. at the 2023 NCAA Division II Central Region Showcase. The Tigers will kick off the new year Friday against Minot State before battling second-ranked Minnesota State on Saturday afternoon. Both contests are slated to begin at 2:45 p.m. inside the St. Joseph Civic Arena.The 2023-24 season will be the first under head coach Talia Kahrs, who was introduced as the seventh head coach in program history on April 13, 2023. No stranger to Tiger basketball, Kahrs has been a part of the program for each of the last 15 seasons, including three as a player, one as a student-assistant and 11 as an assistant coach. She helped the Tigers to 293 wins as an assistant coach, including 12-consecutive 20-win seasons, which is the longest active streak in Division II.The Tigers return 12 letterwinners from last year's team that went 20-12 overall, including all five starters and two All-MIAA performers in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/7531">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;(first team) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/7525">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;(third team). FHSU added a trio of true freshmen this year, all three of which were All-State selections in Kansas. Fort Hays State returns nearly all of its offensive efficiency from last season, with the Tigers bringing back players responsible for 96.2 percent of last year's points, 97.7 percent of last year's rebounds and 97.8 percent of last year's assists.Fort Hays State is 36-18 all-time in season openers. The Tigers have dominated non-conference opponents of late, with FHSU winning 87 of the last 91 non-conference, regular season contests.The Tigers were picked fourth in both MIAA preseason polls. FHSU has been no lower than fifth in the preseason conference rankings each of the last 12 years.Wagner averages a double-double against Minnesota State, putting up 20 points, 13.5 rebounds and two assists per game in two career matchups.Hollenbeck enters her fourth year with the Tigers with 998 points, needing just two points to become the 25th 1000-point scorer in program history.Fort Hays State went 2-0 in its last trip to Civic Arena, with the Tigers knocking off Minnesota Duluth (59-51) and Concordia-St. Paul (67-54) in the 2019 Hillyard Tip-Off Classic.This is the first-ever matchup between Fort Hays State and Minot State, while the Tigers are 2-2 all-time against Minnesota State. The Mavericks are 2-0 against FHSU in the regular season, while Fort Hays State has a pair of postseason victories against MSU in the NCAA DII Central Region Tournament. The Tigers are 49-18 all-time against current NSIC teams. After Friday's contest with the Beavers, FHSU will have played every Northern Sun program except Minnesota Crookston and U-Mary.No. 15 Minnesota State handed No. 3 Fort Hays State a 65-63 home loss early last season (11/18/22) after Destinee Bursch poured in a high-arching shot over the top of two outreached defenders from just in front of the Maverick bench as time expired to secure the victory. Jessie Sallach&nbsp;had tied things up with a 15-foot jumper with 3.4 seconds left before the Mavericks clinched the win at the buzzer. Wagner paced the Tigers with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Ellie Stearns&nbsp;hit 3-of-7 from behind the arc.Minot State is off to a 1-2 start after a narrow loss against No. 3 Tampa, a win over Florida Tech and a loss against No. 8 Angelo State. The Beavers were picked to finish 15th in the Northern Sun after going 12-16 overall last season, including an 8-14 mark in NSIC contests. Emma Mogan was picked as an NSIC Preseason Player to Watch after averaging 6.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game a year ago. Sydney Gustavsson leads the teams in points through three games, averaging 13.7 per night.Minnesota State was picked No. 2 in both the preseason WBCA Coaches Poll and the preseason D2CSC Media Poll after going 26-5 overall last season and winning the NSIC South at 19-3. The Mavericks are 2-1 so far this season, including wins over Florida Tech and Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville and a five-point loss to No. 24 Texas Woman's University. MSU is averaging 76.7 points per game so far this year thanks to a 43.6 field goal percentage. Destinee Bursch leads the team with 15.7 points per game, with Natalie Bremer close behind with an average of 14.0 points per night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - FHSU women open 55th campaign at Central Region Showcase

By BRETT MARSHALL Western Athletic Conference

It’s something that Tony Crough could only envision when he took over the head coaching reins at Hays High School six years ago.

At the time, the Indians’ football fortunes had fallen off and Crough came with a winning pedigree at previous stops.

Over the past four seasons, the Indians have either won the Western Athletic Conference outright or shared it each year, and the recently completed 2023 was another where they held the outright title.

The recent title didn’t come without its challenges, and Crough would be the first to tell you this.

Early in the season, the Indians lost a critical home game in overtime, 24-21, to Garden City. In a twist of irony, Garden City is where Crough cut his teeth on the game, playing for legendary coach Dave Meadows, graduating in 1999 and having played in the 1998 Class 6A state championship game at quarterback.

The Indians rebounded with wins over Dodge City after having a narrow victory over another WAC rival, Great Bend. That would set the stage for the final regular season game on the road at Liberal, a team that was undefeated and enjoying its best season in two decades.

It took double overtime, but the Indians prevailed 48-41, and with the head-to-head tiebreaker in play, Hays would be declared the WAC champion at 3-1, the same as Liberal. In a tightly-bunched season, Great Bend and Garden City went 2-2 with Great Bend getting third based upon the same tiebreak after defeating Garden City in the regular season finale.

“We talk about several key goals before each season,” Crough said. “And the WAC is the first one. After that, we want to go as far in the playoffs as possible. The biggest thing for me is to see improvement in the team and individual players from preseason to the end of the season.”

Crough said he believes that to be a consistent winner, a program must be built from the ground floor up, starting in youth football and continuing through middle school.

“I think each class we’ve had has taken on the attitude of not wanting to let anybody down, or to be the team that doesn’t win,” Crough said. “I think you can get a little cautious in telling yourself that you’ve done this before and just settle for that, or you can tell yourself and your players that it is a new season and what happened before doesn’t really matter. What we’ve done lately is the thing that matters the most.”

Crough said the Liberal game was perhaps one of the most exciting regular season games in which he has coached.

“It was such a big game and it could have gone either way,” Crough said. “Liberal had a heckuva team and it took a great effort by our kids to win that one. We just somehow found a way. We know how big it was for Liberal since they came in undefeated.”

Crough said the overall balance of the WAC was never more evident than in the 2023 season. Close games (a 28-27 win against Great Bend in OT), and the loss to Garden City (24-21, also OT) and then the double-overtime victory at Liberal. Only Dodge City didn’t provide a stern test.

“I would tell you, though, that Dodge City was a couple of injuries away from being very competitive,” Crough said. “Top to bottom, it was a very balanced year for all the teams.”

This year’s edition had a lot of new faces in the starting lineup after the Indians graduated its second straight big senior class.

“I’d say this team’s qualities were energy, enthusiasm and excitement,” Crough said. “They were young, naïve and without a lot of experience. I think at the start of the season we weren’t sure they were supposed to win. But they just went out and won.”

Crough has never been one to dodge a tough schedule and he got as much as he could wish for in the early going, playing always tough 6A Junction City, then taking on defending 6A state champion Manhattan and then the tough WAC games with Great Bend and Garden City.

“I thought we could go anywhere from 0-4, to 1-3, to 2-2, or 3-1,” Crough stated. “We finished that stretch 2-2 and I was pleased with that.”

The starting roster was dotted with youth, Crough said, having two freshmen and eight sophomores playing on either side of the ball.

“Our older kids, the juniors and seniors, had not had much varsity experience, either,” Crough said. “They collectively came together and managed to do a good job of winning key games.”

Crough goes back to his high school days in Garden City, and playing for Meadows, to explain his coaching philosophy.

“You must develop discipline in different ways and build a winning culture,” Crough said. “I think Coach Meadows convinced us that whether we were supposed to win on paper didn’t matter. You just have to go out and find a way to get it done.”

Liberal’s Luetters guides Redskins’ turnaround season

When Bryan Luetters, who had played his high school football in Dodge City, guided the Meade Buffaloes to an 8-Player Division I state championship in 2021, he figured he might just be at the small southwest Kansas school for many years.

But success in the ocaching profession has a way of changing the best-laid plans. A phone call from Liberal High School Athletic Director Kerri Miles to inquire about an interest in that school’s football coaching opening, was the catapult that moved Luetters just a little further southwest.

Now, in just his second season with the Redskins, Luetter saw a transformation that resulted a resurgence that produced an 8-2 season record, the first postseason playoff win in two decades and being voted the Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

The only thing missing from the Luetters accomplishment list this year was winning the WAC. The Redskins did finish at 3-1, the same record as Hays, but in the head-to-head tiebreaker, the championship went to Hays following a dramatic 48-41 double-overtime victory by the Indians in the final week of the regular season.

Still, there were many reasons to celebrate the new dawn of successful football in the Class 5A school.

Football historians and fans have to go back more than two decades to recall the glory days of Liberal when Gary Cornelsen guided the program to four state championships (all 5A) in the 1990s and three other state championship game appearances (a record seven consecutive seasons). Cornelsen had compiled a 118-17 record during his tenure, but in the intervening two decades, those six coaches posted a won-loss mark of 65-106. Luetters is now a modest 11-8 in two seasons.

“I knew that Liberal had been successful many years ago,” said Luetters, who played for Dodge’s Dick Masters back in the 1990s. “But I also knew they had not been successful for quite some time.”

Putting it mildly, the Redskins had gone through seven head coaches in 20 seasons, and those had compiled just three winning seasons, two of those back-to-back in 2004 and 2005 when Steve Warner coached the program. Warner eventually went to Buhler where he has earned legendary status.

“When I arrived, there was a lot of mental issues facing the team,” Luetters said. “First, we had to get into the weight room and get stronger. Second, we had to then use the weight room to also improve our mental toughness. We had been behind in so many games in recent years and basically just given up.

“We had to transform their thought process. Rather than saying that’s the way it’s always been, we had to teach them that it didn’t have to be that way.”

Mental reps in the weight room became the daily norm, Luetters said. Day-by-day, week-by-week from a 3-6 record in his first year of 2022, the Redskins saw incremental progress.

In the 2023 season, rather than fold the tent when falling behind early, the Redskins found ways to reverse course, and rally to win several games in the first part of the season.

“There were a lot of discipline issues we had to fix,” Luetters said. “If a kid was late to practice, or to a .meeting, there had to be consequences. Once they figured that out, things improved. We had to hold everybody to the same standards.”

Prior to the start of this year, Luetters said he had a few upperclassmen who had yet to buy into the new system and philosophy.

“It became like a cancer, so we just dismissed them and things got so much better,” Luetters recalled. “Everybody was headed in the same direction.”

Luetters took little credit for the team’s turnaround, but instead lavished praise on his assistant coaches, with all 10 of them being 26 years of age or younger.

“They all come with experience in their own positions on the team,” Luetters said. “They come up with a lot of suggestions, we discuss them and if they make sense, we . them. Everybody has a voice.”

Luetters also had positive thoughts about his remaining upperclassmen of juniors and seniors.

“We started weights at 6 a.m. because there’s just no conflicts with anything else,” Luetters said. “This group became great leaders.”

Despite losing his quarterback in WAC Player of the Year Brooks Kappelman, Luetters will have 15 starters returning for the 2024 campaign. He can’t wait to get back at it and see where the Redskins will take their next trip in this journey.

“I’m a southwest Kansas kid and it’s exciting to see these kids finally achieve a level of success,” Luetters said. “There’s still more that we can do to improve, but this was a big step.”

2023 ALL-WAC FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Hudson Rice	OL Jr. Liberal Sebastian Lopez	OL Sr. Garden City Gus Corsair	OL Fr. Hays Andrew Moreno	OL Sr. Garden City Matthew Johnson	OL Sr. Great Bend J. Brooks Kappelmann*	QB Sr. Liberal Malik Bah	RB Sr. Hays Cody Miller	RB Sr. Great Bend Zayden Martinez	WR Sr. Liberal Ian Premer	WR So. Great Bend James Fieser	WR So. Liberal Colton Brack	SP/Athlete Sr. Great Bend

2023 ALL-WAC FIRST TEAM DEFENSE David Holguin	DL Jr. Garden City Erek Lira	DL Sr. Liberal Tyren Holmes	DL Jr. Liberal Slade Salmans	DL Jr. Hays Trent Kern	LB	10	Great Bend Dylan Sonday	LB	11	Dodge City Wyatt Kirkpatrick	LB	Jr. Hays Dalton Meyers*	LB Jr. Hays Aidan Schwindt	DB Sr. Liberal Cooper Lindenmeyer	DB Jr. Hays Kaiden Hoffman	DB	12	Great Bend

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699623374484.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRETT MARSHALL Western Athletic ConferenceIt’s something that Tony Crough could only envision when he took over the head coaching reins at Hays High School six years ago.At the time, the Indians’ football fortunes had fallen off and Crough came with a winning pedigree at previous stops.Over the past four seasons, the Indians have either won the Western Athletic Conference outright or shared it each year, and the recently completed 2023 was another where they held the outright title.The recent title didn’t come without its challenges, and Crough would be the first to tell you this.Early in the season, the Indians lost a critical home game in overtime, 24-21, to Garden City. In a twist of irony, Garden City is where Crough cut his teeth on the game, playing for legendary coach Dave Meadows, graduating in 1999 and having played in the 1998 Class 6A state championship game at quarterback.The Indians rebounded with wins over Dodge City after having a narrow victory over another WAC rival, Great Bend. That would set the stage for the final regular season game on the road at Liberal, a team that was undefeated and enjoying its best season in two decades.It took double overtime, but the Indians prevailed 48-41, and with the head-to-head tiebreaker in play, Hays would be declared the WAC champion at 3-1, the same as Liberal. In a tightly-bunched season, Great Bend and Garden City went 2-2 with Great Bend getting third based upon the same tiebreak after defeating Garden City in the regular season finale.“We talk about several key goals before each season,” Crough said. “And the WAC is the first one. After that, we want to go as far in the playoffs as possible. The biggest thing for me is to see improvement in the team and individual players from preseason to the end of the season.”Crough said he believes that to be a consistent winner, a program must be built from the ground floor up, starting in youth football and continuing through middle school.“I think each class we’ve had has taken on the attitude of not wanting to let anybody down, or to be the team that doesn’t win,” Crough said. “I think you can get a little cautious in telling yourself that you’ve done this before and just settle for that, or you can tell yourself and your players that it is a new season and what happened before doesn’t really matter. What we’ve done lately is the thing that matters the most.”Crough said the Liberal game was perhaps one of the most exciting regular season games in which he has coached.“It was such a big game and it could have gone either way,” Crough said. “Liberal had a heckuva team and it took a great effort by our kids to win that one. We just somehow found a way. We know how big it was for Liberal since they came in undefeated.”Crough said the overall balance of the WAC was never more evident than in the 2023 season. Close games (a 28-27 win against Great Bend in OT), and the loss to Garden City (24-21, also OT) and then the double-overtime victory at Liberal. Only Dodge City didn’t provide a stern test.“I would tell you, though, that Dodge City was a couple of injuries away from being very competitive,” Crough said. “Top to bottom, it was a very balanced year for all the teams.”This year’s edition had a lot of new faces in the starting lineup after the Indians graduated its second straight big senior class.“I’d say this team’s qualities were energy, enthusiasm and excitement,” Crough said. “They were young, naïve and without a lot of experience. I think at the start of the season we weren’t sure they were supposed to win. But they just went out and won.”Crough has never been one to dodge a tough schedule and he got as much as he could wish for in the early going, playing always tough 6A Junction City, then taking on defending 6A state champion Manhattan and then the tough WAC games with Great Bend and Garden City.“I thought we could go anywhere from 0-4, to 1-3, to 2-2, or 3-1,” Crough stated. “We finished that stretch 2-2 and I was pleased with that.”The starting roster was dotted with youth, Crough said, having two freshmen and eight sophomores playing on either side of the ball.“Our older kids, the juniors and seniors, had not had much varsity experience, either,” Crough said. “They collectively came together and managed to do a good job of winning key games.”Crough goes back to his high school days in Garden City, and playing for Meadows, to explain his coaching philosophy.“You must develop discipline in different ways and build a winning culture,” Crough said. “I think Coach Meadows convinced us that whether we were supposed to win on paper didn’t matter. You just have to go out and find a way to get it done.”<h2>Liberal’s Luetters guides Redskins’ turnaround season</h2>When Bryan Luetters, who had played his high school football in Dodge City, guided the Meade Buffaloes to an 8-Player Division I state championship in 2021, he figured he might just be at the small southwest Kansas school for many years.But success in the ocaching profession has a way of changing the best-laid plans. A phone call from Liberal High School Athletic Director Kerri Miles to inquire about an interest in that school’s football coaching opening, was the catapult that moved Luetters just a little further southwest.Now, in just his second season with the Redskins, Luetter saw a transformation that resulted a resurgence that produced an 8-2 season record, the first postseason playoff win in two decades and being voted the Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.The only thing missing from the Luetters accomplishment list this year was winning the WAC. The Redskins did finish at 3-1, the same record as Hays, but in the head-to-head tiebreaker, the championship went to Hays following a dramatic 48-41 double-overtime victory by the Indians in the final week of the regular season.Still, there were many reasons to celebrate the new dawn of successful football in the Class 5A school.Football historians and fans have to go back more than two decades to recall the glory days of Liberal when Gary Cornelsen guided the program to four state championships (all 5A) in the 1990s and three other state championship game appearances (a record seven consecutive seasons). Cornelsen had compiled a 118-17 record during his tenure, but in the intervening two decades, those six coaches posted a won-loss mark of 65-106. Luetters is now a modest 11-8 in two seasons.“I knew that Liberal had been successful many years ago,” said Luetters, who played for Dodge’s Dick Masters back in the 1990s. “But I also knew they had not been successful for quite some time.”Putting it mildly, the Redskins had gone through seven head coaches in 20 seasons, and those had compiled just three winning seasons, two of those back-to-back in 2004 and 2005 when Steve Warner coached the program. Warner eventually went to Buhler where he has earned legendary status.“When I arrived, there was a lot of mental issues facing the team,” Luetters said. “First, we had to get into the weight room and get stronger. Second, we had to then use the weight room to also improve our mental toughness. We had been behind in so many games in recent years and basically just given up.“We had to transform their thought process. Rather than saying that’s the way it’s always been, we had to teach them that it didn’t have to be that way.”Mental reps in the weight room became the daily norm, Luetters said. Day-by-day, week-by-week from a 3-6 record in his first year of 2022, the Redskins saw incremental progress.In the 2023 season, rather than fold the tent when falling behind early, the Redskins found ways to reverse course, and rally to win several games in the first part of the season.“There were a lot of discipline issues we had to fix,” Luetters said. “If a kid was late to practice, or to a .meeting, there had to be consequences. Once they figured that out, things improved. We had to hold everybody to the same standards.”Prior to the start of this year, Luetters said he had a few upperclassmen who had yet to buy into the new system and philosophy.“It became like a cancer, so we just dismissed them and things got so much better,” Luetters recalled. “Everybody was headed in the same direction.”Luetters took little credit for the team’s turnaround, but instead lavished praise on his assistant coaches, with all 10 of them being 26 years of age or younger.“They all come with experience in their own positions on the team,” Luetters said. “They come up with a lot of suggestions, we discuss them and if they make sense, we . them. Everybody has a voice.”Luetters also had positive thoughts about his remaining upperclassmen of juniors and seniors.“We started weights at 6 a.m. because there’s just no conflicts with anything else,” Luetters said. “This group became great leaders.”Despite losing his quarterback in WAC Player of the Year Brooks Kappelman, Luetters will have 15 starters returning for the 2024 campaign. He can’t wait to get back at it and see where the Redskins will take their next trip in this journey.“I’m a southwest Kansas kid and it’s exciting to see these kids finally achieve a level of success,” Luetters said. “There’s still more that we can do to improve, but this was a big step.”2023 ALL-WAC FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Hudson Rice	OL Jr. Liberal Sebastian Lopez	OL Sr. Garden City Gus Corsair	OL Fr. Hays Andrew Moreno	OL Sr. Garden City Matthew Johnson	OL Sr. Great Bend J. Brooks Kappelmann*	QB Sr. Liberal Malik Bah	RB Sr. Hays Cody Miller	RB Sr. Great Bend Zayden Martinez	WR Sr. Liberal Ian Premer	WR So. Great Bend James Fieser	WR So. Liberal Colton Brack	SP/Athlete Sr. Great Bend2023 ALL-WAC FIRST TEAM DEFENSE David Holguin	DL Jr. Garden City Erek Lira	DL Sr. Liberal Tyren Holmes	DL Jr. Liberal Slade Salmans	DL Jr. Hays Trent Kern	LB	10	Great Bend Dylan Sonday	LB	11	Dodge City Wyatt Kirkpatrick	LB	Jr. Hays Dalton Meyers*	LB Jr. Hays Aidan Schwindt	DB Sr. Liberal Cooper Lindenmeyer	DB Jr. Hays Kaiden Hoffman	DB	12	Great Bend

🏈 Hays continues to remain top WAC football team

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team dropped their dual matchup against No. 11 Northern State on Thursday by a score of 35-6. The loss moved FHSU to 1-2 on the season, while Northern State improved to 1-0.

Northern State raced out to a 23-0 lead after taking the first five matches of the dual. D'Andre brown&nbsp;was close to a win in the opening bout at 125 pounds, falling in a 5-3 decision. Fort Hays State picked up their first points at 165 pounds off a win by Cody Hicks&nbsp;to earn the team three team points.

No. 3 nationally ranked Tereus Henry&nbsp;added three more team points at 197 pounds after claiming victory by a 7-5 decision over Marshall Van Tassel. The win by Henry helped him stay undefeated at 2-0 on the season so far.

The Wolves were victorious in eight of the ten bouts on the dual and had three nationally ranked wrestlers in their starting lineup.

Fort Hays State will wrestle again on Saturday at the Dakota Wesleyan Open in Mitchell, S.D. The open tournament is set to start at 9 a.m.

#11 Northern State 35, #25 Fort Hays State 6 125: Landen Fischer (NSU) over D`Andre Brown (FHS) (Dec 5-3) 133: Jason Henschel (NSU) over Kevin Honas&nbsp;(FHS) (TF 15-0 1:34) 141: Braydon Mogle (NSU) over Drew Bell&nbsp;(FHS) (MD 9-1)&nbsp; 149: Wyatt Turnquist (NSU) over Jacob Mitchell&nbsp;(FHS) (TF 15-0 2:46) 157: Devin Bahr (NSU) over Justin Hulse&nbsp;(FHS) (Fall 0:47) 165: Cody Hicks&nbsp;(FHS) over Chase Bloomquist (NSU) (TB-2 (RT) 2-2) 174: Sam Kruger (NSU) over Juan Urbina&nbsp;(FHS) (TF 16-0 4:21) 184: Treyton Cacek (NSU) over Bryce Westmoreland&nbsp;(FHS) (MD 11-2) 197: Tereus Henry&nbsp;(FHS) over Marshall Vantassel (NSU) (Dec 7-5) 285: Nathan Schauer (NSU) over Anthony Caldwell (FHS) (Dec 5-2)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699614820344.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Cody Hicks is declared the winner of a wrestling match over Northern State's Chase Bloomquist in Aberdeem, South Dakota, Thursday, November 9, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Cory Burdict/Northern State)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Cody Hicks is declared the winner of a wrestling match over Northern State's Chase Bloomquist in Aberdeem, South Dakota, Thursday, November 9, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Cory Burdict/Northern State)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsABERDEEN, S.D. – The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team dropped their dual matchup against No. 11 Northern State on Thursday by a score of 35-6. The loss moved FHSU to 1-2 on the season, while Northern State improved to 1-0.Northern State raced out to a 23-0 lead after taking the first five matches of the dual. D'Andre brown&nbsp;was close to a win in the opening bout at 125 pounds, falling in a 5-3 decision. Fort Hays State picked up their first points at 165 pounds off a win by Cody Hicks&nbsp;to earn the team three team points.No. 3 nationally ranked Tereus Henry&nbsp;added three more team points at 197 pounds after claiming victory by a 7-5 decision over Marshall Van Tassel. The win by Henry helped him stay undefeated at 2-0 on the season so far.The Wolves were victorious in eight of the ten bouts on the dual and had three nationally ranked wrestlers in their starting lineup.Fort Hays State will wrestle again on Saturday at the Dakota Wesleyan Open in Mitchell, S.D. The open tournament is set to start at 9 a.m.#11 Northern State 35, #25 Fort Hays State 6 125: Landen Fischer (NSU) over D`Andre Brown (FHS) (Dec 5-3) 133: Jason Henschel (NSU) over Kevin Honas&nbsp;(FHS) (TF 15-0 1:34) 141: Braydon Mogle (NSU) over Drew Bell&nbsp;(FHS) (MD 9-1)&nbsp; 149: Wyatt Turnquist (NSU) over Jacob Mitchell&nbsp;(FHS) (TF 15-0 2:46) 157: Devin Bahr (NSU) over Justin Hulse&nbsp;(FHS) (Fall 0:47) 165: Cody Hicks&nbsp;(FHS) over Chase Bloomquist (NSU) (TB-2 (RT) 2-2) 174: Sam Kruger (NSU) over Juan Urbina&nbsp;(FHS) (TF 16-0 4:21) 184: Treyton Cacek (NSU) over Bryce Westmoreland&nbsp;(FHS) (MD 11-2) 197: Tereus Henry&nbsp;(FHS) over Marshall Vantassel (NSU) (Dec 7-5) 285: Nathan Schauer (NSU) over Anthony Caldwell (FHS) (Dec 5-2)

🤼 Tigers bested in South Dakota

JOPLIN, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team dropped a three-set match on the road against Missouri Southern on Thursday (Nov. 9), 25-18, 25-22, 25-16. The Tigers (11-17, 5-14 MIAA) finished the match with just three fewer kills than the Lions, 44-41, but a 7-2 edge in service aces helped MSSU (15-13, 8-11 MIAA) claim victory.

The Tigers fell behind by three early in the first set but bounced back to tie things up at nine following kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/claire-olson/7499">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ashlyn-reeves/7536">Ashlyn Reeves</a>. Missouri Southern scored the next five points to take the lead for good, eventually winning the set by seven points.

The teams traded points early in the second set before a 3-0 Lion run broke open a 10-10 tie. The Tigers later trailed by as many as six, 20-14, before FHSU closed within one thanks to a 7-2 run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/mya-vandrovec/7505">Mya Vandrovec</a>&nbsp;dropped in a pair of kills during the run before Olson put the Tigers within one, 22-21. MSSU bounced back to score three of the next four to win the frame, 25-22.

Fort Hays State trailed by four early in the third set before going on another 7-2 run to take a 10-9 lead. Reeves helped the Tigers to four-consecutive points during the run, including two kills bookending a pair of combo blocks, one alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/taylor-hawkins/7497">Taylor Hawkins</a>&nbsp;and one with Olson. FHSU kept things close for the next several rallies before MSSU finished off the match with seven consecutive points.

Olson led the team with 11 kills compared to just two errors on 27 swings.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/brooke-hyland/7498">Brooke Hyland</a>&nbsp;racked up a team-high 16 digs, averaging more than five per set.

The Tigers will wrap up the regular season Friday evening (Nov. 10, 6 p.m.) against No. 21 Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699587203094.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsJOPLIN, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team dropped a three-set match on the road against Missouri Southern on Thursday (Nov. 9), 25-18, 25-22, 25-16. The Tigers (11-17, 5-14 MIAA) finished the match with just three fewer kills than the Lions, 44-41, but a 7-2 edge in service aces helped MSSU (15-13, 8-11 MIAA) claim victory.The Tigers fell behind by three early in the first set but bounced back to tie things up at nine following kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/claire-olson/7499">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ashlyn-reeves/7536">Ashlyn Reeves</a>. Missouri Southern scored the next five points to take the lead for good, eventually winning the set by seven points.The teams traded points early in the second set before a 3-0 Lion run broke open a 10-10 tie. The Tigers later trailed by as many as six, 20-14, before FHSU closed within one thanks to a 7-2 run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/mya-vandrovec/7505">Mya Vandrovec</a>&nbsp;dropped in a pair of kills during the run before Olson put the Tigers within one, 22-21. MSSU bounced back to score three of the next four to win the frame, 25-22.Fort Hays State trailed by four early in the third set before going on another 7-2 run to take a 10-9 lead. Reeves helped the Tigers to four-consecutive points during the run, including two kills bookending a pair of combo blocks, one alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/taylor-hawkins/7497">Taylor Hawkins</a>&nbsp;and one with Olson. FHSU kept things close for the next several rallies before MSSU finished off the match with seven consecutive points.Olson led the team with 11 kills compared to just two errors on 27 swings.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/brooke-hyland/7498">Brooke Hyland</a>&nbsp;racked up a team-high 16 digs, averaging more than five per set.The Tigers will wrap up the regular season Friday evening (Nov. 10, 6 p.m.) against No. 21 Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo.

🏐 Tigers open final road swing with loss

The top two teams in the Western Athletic Conference produced the top two players as voted upon by the conference’s five coaches.

This year, those honorees are senior quarterback Brooks Kappelmann of Liberal and junior linebacker Dalton Meyers of Hays.

Their teams each went 3-1 in the WAC race, but Hays’ 48-41 double-overtime victory was the tiebreaker to establish the conference team champion.

Kappelmann was a three-year starter for the Redskins and played an integral role in the turnaround for the Redskins that saw them finish 8-2 after seasons of 4-5 and 3-6 in his sophomore and junior seasons.

Meyers, meanwhile, was in his second season starting on defense and helped the Indians play through a brutally tough schedule to finish the season on top of the WAC.

Brooks Kappelmann/Liberal/6-3, 205-pound/QB/Sr.

Kappelmann is no stranger to earning recognition in the WAC. He was voted the conference’s baseball player of the year in the spring of 2023 while pitching and playing in the field.

His senior season will go done as one of the best in the school’s rich history.

Kappelmann, who is 6-3, 205-pounds, rushed for 785 yards and scored 11 touchdowns rushing while using his powerful arm, completed 142-of-232 passes for 2,351 yards, throwing for 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions. His completion percentage of 61.2 percent topped all WAC quarterbacks.&nbsp;

But he proved to be a dual threat, rushing for 785 yards and 10 TDs, totaling 3,136 yards of offense.

“It’s an amazing honor because there’s so many good players in our league,” said Kappelmann. “All credit goes to my teammates and coaches, and I just try to do my part.”

Kappelmann said it was satisfying to be part of the program’s turnaround under Bryan Luetters.

“It was an amazing transformation with the new coach who came in and changed the culture,” Kappelmann said. “Our class wanted to do better, and the coaches wanted the same. Everybody just did the extra stuff. It’s kind of like doing every single rep because they all matter. You never want to cheat yourself, your teammates or your coaches.”

Kappelmann said there are some physical similarities in throwing the football and pitching the baseball, with each helping the other.

“You lead with your legs and the core of your body and let your arm follow,” Kappelmann said in describing the two forms. “I think the biggest thing we did, too, was watching a ton of film, studying different coverages and then making the plays that we felt would work.”

Kappelmann’s favorite target was wide receiver Zayden Martinez, who hauled in 53 catches for 1,149 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“He’s one of those special kids,” Luetters said of Kappelmann. “He doesn’t party. He doesn’t cuss. He’s a 4.0 GPA student. He’s the ideal player to coach.”

Dalton Meyers/Hays High/6-2, 190-pounds/Jr./Outside Linebacker

On the defensive side, it was Meyers, a 6-2, 190-pound junior, who drew the attention of most of the WAC opposing coaches. He finished the season with 76 tackles, 3 sacks and 15 tackles for losses. The latter category was tops in the WAC.

“I was shocked and excited,” Meyers said of getting notification from his head coach, Tony Crough. “I knew when the season started that I had to give it my best shot, because all the other teams were coming for us after winning the s to WAC last year.”

Meyers’ principal duties at outside linebacker (nickel position) is to be responsible for coverage of the slot receiver and then the running backs getting to the edge.

“My job is to make sure they don’t get to the outside and cut upfield,” Meyers said.

The HHS standout said there were multiple exciting games this season, including the early OT win over Great Bend, and then being able to come up with the big win late in the year to defeat Liberal and win the WAC team championship.

“I think we just got better as a team through the season,” Meyers said. “The Garden City game is one of those teams every year you know it’s going to be tough. When we beat Liberal, the defense came up big at the end. I think the Liberal game was just 100 percent fun.”

Meyers said he also has played some strong safety for the Indians, which he did in his sophomore season, but made the switch back to linebacker this year.

“I knew I had to work hard and get in the weight room to get stronger,” Meyers said. “Last year nearly every starter was a senior, so we had to replace a bunch of positions. Trust is a big thing in football with 11 players on the field. If they don’t do their job, it’s difficult for you to do yours. And if you don’t do yours, it’s tough on your teammates.”

Meyers credits Crough and the assistant coaches for pushing the players to succeed.

“They came here to win, and we take everything they say and try to do our best,” Meyers said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699623756708.jpeg" alt="Brooks Kappelmann (L) and Dalton Meyers, WAC Players of the Year. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Brooks Kappelmann (L) and Dalton Meyers, WAC Players of the Year. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRETT MARSHALL Western Athletic ConferenceThe top two teams in the Western Athletic Conference produced the top two players as voted upon by the conference’s five coaches.This year, those honorees are senior quarterback Brooks Kappelmann of Liberal and junior linebacker Dalton Meyers of Hays.Their teams each went 3-1 in the WAC race, but Hays’ 48-41 double-overtime victory was the tiebreaker to establish the conference team champion.Kappelmann was a three-year starter for the Redskins and played an integral role in the turnaround for the Redskins that saw them finish 8-2 after seasons of 4-5 and 3-6 in his sophomore and junior seasons.Meyers, meanwhile, was in his second season starting on defense and helped the Indians play through a brutally tough schedule to finish the season on top of the WAC.<h2>Brooks Kappelmann/Liberal/6-3, 205-pound/QB/Sr.</h2>Kappelmann is no stranger to earning recognition in the WAC. He was voted the conference’s baseball player of the year in the spring of 2023 while pitching and playing in the field.His senior season will go done as one of the best in the school’s rich history.Kappelmann, who is 6-3, 205-pounds, rushed for 785 yards and scored 11 touchdowns rushing while using his powerful arm, completed 142-of-232 passes for 2,351 yards, throwing for 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions. His completion percentage of 61.2 percent topped all WAC quarterbacks.&nbsp;But he proved to be a dual threat, rushing for 785 yards and 10 TDs, totaling 3,136 yards of offense.“It’s an amazing honor because there’s so many good players in our league,” said Kappelmann. “All credit goes to my teammates and coaches, and I just try to do my part.”Kappelmann said it was satisfying to be part of the program’s turnaround under Bryan Luetters.“It was an amazing transformation with the new coach who came in and changed the culture,” Kappelmann said. “Our class wanted to do better, and the coaches wanted the same. Everybody just did the extra stuff. It’s kind of like doing every single rep because they all matter. You never want to cheat yourself, your teammates or your coaches.”Kappelmann said there are some physical similarities in throwing the football and pitching the baseball, with each helping the other.“You lead with your legs and the core of your body and let your arm follow,” Kappelmann said in describing the two forms. “I think the biggest thing we did, too, was watching a ton of film, studying different coverages and then making the plays that we felt would work.”Kappelmann’s favorite target was wide receiver Zayden Martinez, who hauled in 53 catches for 1,149 yards and 14 touchdowns.“He’s one of those special kids,” Luetters said of Kappelmann. “He doesn’t party. He doesn’t cuss. He’s a 4.0 GPA student. He’s the ideal player to coach.”<h2>Dalton Meyers/Hays High/6-2, 190-pounds/Jr./Outside Linebacker</h2>On the defensive side, it was Meyers, a 6-2, 190-pound junior, who drew the attention of most of the WAC opposing coaches. He finished the season with 76 tackles, 3 sacks and 15 tackles for losses. The latter category was tops in the WAC.“I was shocked and excited,” Meyers said of getting notification from his head coach, Tony Crough. “I knew when the season started that I had to give it my best shot, because all the other teams were coming for us after winning the s to WAC last year.”Meyers’ principal duties at outside linebacker (nickel position) is to be responsible for coverage of the slot receiver and then the running backs getting to the edge.“My job is to make sure they don’t get to the outside and cut upfield,” Meyers said.The HHS standout said there were multiple exciting games this season, including the early OT win over Great Bend, and then being able to come up with the big win late in the year to defeat Liberal and win the WAC team championship.“I think we just got better as a team through the season,” Meyers said. “The Garden City game is one of those teams every year you know it’s going to be tough. When we beat Liberal, the defense came up big at the end. I think the Liberal game was just 100 percent fun.”Meyers said he also has played some strong safety for the Indians, which he did in his sophomore season, but made the switch back to linebacker this year.“I knew I had to work hard and get in the weight room to get stronger,” Meyers said. “Last year nearly every starter was a senior, so we had to replace a bunch of positions. Trust is a big thing in football with 11 players on the field. If they don’t do their job, it’s difficult for you to do yours. And if you don’t do yours, it’s tough on your teammates.”Meyers credits Crough and the assistant coaches for pushing the players to succeed.“They came here to win, and we take everything they say and try to do our best,” Meyers said.

🏈 Hays' Meyers, Liberal's Kappelmann get nod as top WAC football players

WICHITA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team fell just short in the MIAA Tournament semifinals to No. 15 Central Missouri by a score of 1-0 on Thursday at the Stryker Sports Complex. The loss dropped the Tiger's record to 13-4-3, while the Jennies improved to 15-3-2 and advance to the conference tournament championship match on Saturday (Nov. 11).Thursday's match was the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Jennies won the first meeting 3-0 back on October 22 in Warrensburg, Mo.

Each team had minimal open chances at goal opportunities throughout the entire match on Thursday. Both goalkeepers worked hard early on, saving everything that came their way. The Jennies outshot the Tigers 6-3 in the first period of the match. UCM recorded the first four shots of the match, all within the first 22 minutes. Fort Hays State relied heavily on forward Allison Worley&nbsp;in the first period. Worley took all three of the team's shots in the first frame of play, but all three were saved by UCM goalie Kristen Wright.

Central Missouri found the back of the net in the 38' after Lexi Ruf sent a kick near the goal which appeared off-target but took a last second turn and ricocheted off the sidebar and into the net to put the Jennies up 1-0. From there, Central Missouri took to the defensive and aimed to preserve the lead.

The Tigers had only been shutout on three occasions this season prior to Thursday's match. Fort Hays State was only able to fire one shot in the second period when Jersey Garoutte&nbsp;attempted one just moments into the period.

Keeper Isabel Robben&nbsp;had three saves on the day with two in the first period and one in the second, but the goal by the Jennies in the 38' was all they needed to take down the No. 3 seeded Tigers.

Central Missouri is set to play the Hornets of Emporia State for the tournament title match on Saturday (Nov. 11) at 8 p.m. in Wichita, Kan.

The Tigers will now wait to see where they land for the NCAA National Tournament. The first round of the tournament is set for Thursday (Nov. 16) at a location that is still yet to be determined.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699575288959.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State forward Allison Worley (7) maneuvers against Central Missouri defender Molly Ricker (31) in the MIAA Tournament semifinals in Wichita, Kan., Thursday, November 9, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State forward Allison Worley (7) maneuvers against Central Missouri defender Molly Ricker (31) in the MIAA Tournament semifinals in Wichita, Kan., Thursday, November 9, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team fell just short in the MIAA Tournament semifinals to No. 15 Central Missouri by a score of 1-0 on Thursday at the Stryker Sports Complex. The loss dropped the Tiger's record to 13-4-3, while the Jennies improved to 15-3-2 and advance to the conference tournament championship match on Saturday (Nov. 11).Thursday's match was the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Jennies won the first meeting 3-0 back on October 22 in Warrensburg, Mo.Each team had minimal open chances at goal opportunities throughout the entire match on Thursday. Both goalkeepers worked hard early on, saving everything that came their way. The Jennies outshot the Tigers 6-3 in the first period of the match. UCM recorded the first four shots of the match, all within the first 22 minutes. Fort Hays State relied heavily on forward Allison Worley&nbsp;in the first period. Worley took all three of the team's shots in the first frame of play, but all three were saved by UCM goalie Kristen Wright.Central Missouri found the back of the net in the 38' after Lexi Ruf sent a kick near the goal which appeared off-target but took a last second turn and ricocheted off the sidebar and into the net to put the Jennies up 1-0. From there, Central Missouri took to the defensive and aimed to preserve the lead.The Tigers had only been shutout on three occasions this season prior to Thursday's match. Fort Hays State was only able to fire one shot in the second period when Jersey Garoutte&nbsp;attempted one just moments into the period.Keeper Isabel Robben&nbsp;had three saves on the day with two in the first period and one in the second, but the goal by the Jennies in the 38' was all they needed to take down the No. 3 seeded Tigers.Central Missouri is set to play the Hornets of Emporia State for the tournament title match on Saturday (Nov. 11) at 8 p.m. in Wichita, Kan.The Tigers will now wait to see where they land for the NCAA National Tournament. The first round of the tournament is set for Thursday (Nov. 16) at a location that is still yet to be determined.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger women come up shy in MIAA semifinals

&nbsp;USSELLVILLE, Ark. - Fort Hays State had eight players named to the All-GAC/MIAA Men's Soccer team for the 2023 season on Thursday (Nov. 9). The Tigers had three first-team, three second-team, and two honorable mention selections. The list of honorees included&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/tadhg-walsh/7323">Tadhg Walsh</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/callum-frogson/7310">Callum Frogson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7678">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/agustin-ayala/7302">Agustin Ayala</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/chris-rios-cruz/7316">Chris Rios-Cruz</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/inigo-jimenez/7313">Inigo Jimenez</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7307">Ben Dixon</a>. In addition,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/scott-pengelly/7442">Scott Pengelly</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>&nbsp;were two of just eight individuals to earn Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Awards conference-wide.

Arndt is now a four-time All-GAC/MIAA First Team selection at forward, the first to accomplish the feat in program history. He completed the regular season with 10 goals and now has 34 in his career at FHSU, which is second best in program history. His 78 career points ranks third best in program history. He ranked third in the GAC/MIAA in goals during the regular season, and fourth in points. His 13 career game-winning goals is tied for a school record and he holds the penalty kick goals record alone at FHSU with eight in his career.

Walsh earned a second all-conference honor in his second season with the Tigers. He was an honorable mention selection last year in the midfield, but jumped up to first-team honors this season. Walsh finished the regular season with 11 points, accumulating four goals and three assists. He started all 17 regular season contests and ranks third on the team in minutes played with 1,474.Frogson also earned a second all-conference nod in his second season with the Tigers, going on the same path as Walsh from honorable mention to first team. However, last year he was an all-conference selection as a midfielder. Frogson notched an assist during the regular season and played 1,496 minutes, which was second best on the team, while starting all 17 contests.

Ovelar Semeniuk really came on strong for the Tigers in the second half of the season, doing all of his scoring damage in GAC/MIAA play. He finished the regular season with seven goals and two assists to rank second on the team in both goals and points (16). He collected a second-team selection at forward in his first year with the Tigers.

Ayala picked up his first all-conference selection as a second-team selection as a midfielder. He finished the regular season with two goals and one assist.Rios-Cruz grabs his second all-conference honor as a Tiger at defender, earning second-team honors this year after an honorable mention pick last year. He started all 17 matches during the regular season and leads the team in minutes played entering the conference tournament with 1,520. He has played over 4,000 minutes in his career at FHSU.

Jimenez was an honorable mention selection for the Tigers at defender for the second straight year. He has started all 17 matches this season and has three assists in 1,411 minutes played. He now has 10 assists in his two years with the Tigers.

Dixon picked up his first all-conference honor, receiving an honorable mention selection at goalkeeper. He moved into the starting role this season and picked up six wins in 13 matches played during the regular season with four shutouts.

2023 All-GAC/MIAA Men's Soccer Team GAC/MIAA Offensive Player of the Year: Unaiz Shajani, Southern Nazarene GAC/MIAA Midfielder of the Year: Luke Morgan, Rogers State GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Year: * Alvaro Sanchez, Southern Nazarene &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GAC/MIAA Newcomer of the Year: Francisco Chong, Southern Nazarene GAC/MIAA Coach of the Year: * Trevor Harmon, Southern Nazarene

2023 ALL-GAC/MIAA MEN'S SOCCER FIRST TEAM F * &nbsp;Unaiz Shajani Southern Nazarene Jr. Nairobii, Kenya F&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Gr. Wichita, Kansas F Bruno Ferreira Southern Nazarene Gr. Santos, Sau Paulo, Brazil F Marcos Vasallo Rogers State Jr. Madrid Spain MF Francisco Chong Southern Nazarene Jr. Maracay, Venezuela MF Davi Dornelles Northeastern State Sr. Porto Algre, Brazil MF Luke Morgan Rogers State Sr. Nottinghamshire England MF&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/tadhg-walsh/7323">Tadhg Walsh</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State So. Dublin, Ireland D * Alvaro Sanchez Southern Nazarene Sr. Toledo, Spain D&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/callum-frogson/7310">Callum Frogson</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State So. Nottingham, England D Sebastian Hernandez Rogers State Sr. Broken Arrow Oklahoma D Miguel Torrecillas Southern Nazarene So. Albacete, Spain GK Ian Milla Northeastern State Fr. Lima, Peru

2023 ALL-GAC/MIAA MEN'S SOCCER SECOND TEAM F Ebon Jordan Ouachita Baptist Sr. Cedar Hill, Texas F Felix Ramirez Newman Sr. Almeria, Spain F Alberto Romano Newman Jr. Cancun, Mexico F&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7678">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Fr. Asuncion, Paraguay MF&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/agustin-ayala/7302">Agustin Ayala</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State So. Asuncion, Paraguay MF Carlos Bellosta Manchon Newman Sr. Madrid, Spain MF Grant King Rogers State Sr. Tulsa Oklahoma MF Rinta Takagi Southern Nazarene So. Gifu, Japan D Artur Carvalho Rogers State Fr. Faro, Portugal D Esteban Ramirez Southern Nazarene Jr. Dallas, Texas D&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/chris-rios-cruz/7316">Chris Rios-Cruz</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Sr. San Antonio, Texas D Trindon Turner Rogers State Jr. Edmond, Oklahoma GK Declan Viljoen Rogers State Jr. Auckland New Zealand

2023 ALL-GAC/MIAA MEN'S SOCCER HONORABLE MENTION TEAM F George Robinson Rogers State Sr. Maidstone England MF Donovan Aparicio Northeastern State Jr. Dallas, Texas MF Daniel Marcano Ouachita Baptist So. Caracas, Venezuela MF Hugo Martin Rogers State So. Malaga Spain D Marcovich Brown Northeastern State Jr. Gregory Park, Jamaica D&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/inigo-jimenez/7313">Inigo Jimenez</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Sr. Madrid, Spain D Ben Mings Northeastern State So. Colleyville, Texas D Augustine Seaver Southern Nazarene Fr. Tokyo, Japan D Matthew Sweetman Rogers State Jr. Portsmouth, England GK&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7307">Ben Dixon</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Gr. Conroe, Texas GK Andrej Krivokapic Southern Nazarene Fr. Niksic, Montenegro

Scholar Athlete Awards Winners Elite Trindon Turner, Rogers State&nbsp;&nbsp;

Distinguished <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/scott-pengelly/7442">Scott Pengelly</a>, Fort Hays State <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>, Fort Hays State Blake Classen, Rogers State Grant King, Rogers State George Paul Robinson, Rogers State Sebastian Hernandez, Rogers State Jedidiah Huibregtse, Southern Nazarene&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699561941526.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics&nbsp;USSELLVILLE, Ark. - Fort Hays State had eight players named to the All-GAC/MIAA Men's Soccer team for the 2023 season on Thursday (Nov. 9). The Tigers had three first-team, three second-team, and two honorable mention selections. The list of honorees included&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/tadhg-walsh/7323">Tadhg Walsh</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/callum-frogson/7310">Callum Frogson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7678">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/agustin-ayala/7302">Agustin Ayala</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/chris-rios-cruz/7316">Chris Rios-Cruz</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/inigo-jimenez/7313">Inigo Jimenez</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7307">Ben Dixon</a>. In addition,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/scott-pengelly/7442">Scott Pengelly</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>&nbsp;were two of just eight individuals to earn Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Awards conference-wide.Arndt is now a four-time All-GAC/MIAA First Team selection at forward, the first to accomplish the feat in program history. He completed the regular season with 10 goals and now has 34 in his career at FHSU, which is second best in program history. His 78 career points ranks third best in program history. He ranked third in the GAC/MIAA in goals during the regular season, and fourth in points. His 13 career game-winning goals is tied for a school record and he holds the penalty kick goals record alone at FHSU with eight in his career.Walsh earned a second all-conference honor in his second season with the Tigers. He was an honorable mention selection last year in the midfield, but jumped up to first-team honors this season. Walsh finished the regular season with 11 points, accumulating four goals and three assists. He started all 17 regular season contests and ranks third on the team in minutes played with 1,474.Frogson also earned a second all-conference nod in his second season with the Tigers, going on the same path as Walsh from honorable mention to first team. However, last year he was an all-conference selection as a midfielder. Frogson notched an assist during the regular season and played 1,496 minutes, which was second best on the team, while starting all 17 contests.Ovelar Semeniuk really came on strong for the Tigers in the second half of the season, doing all of his scoring damage in GAC/MIAA play. He finished the regular season with seven goals and two assists to rank second on the team in both goals and points (16). He collected a second-team selection at forward in his first year with the Tigers.Ayala picked up his first all-conference selection as a second-team selection as a midfielder. He finished the regular season with two goals and one assist.Rios-Cruz grabs his second all-conference honor as a Tiger at defender, earning second-team honors this year after an honorable mention pick last year. He started all 17 matches during the regular season and leads the team in minutes played entering the conference tournament with 1,520. He has played over 4,000 minutes in his career at FHSU.Jimenez was an honorable mention selection for the Tigers at defender for the second straight year. He has started all 17 matches this season and has three assists in 1,411 minutes played. He now has 10 assists in his two years with the Tigers.Dixon picked up his first all-conference honor, receiving an honorable mention selection at goalkeeper. He moved into the starting role this season and picked up six wins in 13 matches played during the regular season with four shutouts.2023 All-GAC/MIAA Men's Soccer Team GAC/MIAA Offensive Player of the Year: Unaiz Shajani, Southern Nazarene GAC/MIAA Midfielder of the Year: Luke Morgan, Rogers State GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Year: * Alvaro Sanchez, Southern Nazarene &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GAC/MIAA Newcomer of the Year: Francisco Chong, Southern Nazarene GAC/MIAA Coach of the Year: * Trevor Harmon, Southern Nazarene2023 ALL-GAC/MIAA MEN'S SOCCER FIRST TEAM F * &nbsp;Unaiz Shajani Southern Nazarene Jr. Nairobii, Kenya F&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Gr. Wichita, Kansas F Bruno Ferreira Southern Nazarene Gr. Santos, Sau Paulo, Brazil F Marcos Vasallo Rogers State Jr. Madrid Spain MF Francisco Chong Southern Nazarene Jr. Maracay, Venezuela MF Davi Dornelles Northeastern State Sr. Porto Algre, Brazil MF Luke Morgan Rogers State Sr. Nottinghamshire England MF&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/tadhg-walsh/7323">Tadhg Walsh</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State So. Dublin, Ireland D * Alvaro Sanchez Southern Nazarene Sr. Toledo, Spain D&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/callum-frogson/7310">Callum Frogson</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State So. Nottingham, England D Sebastian Hernandez Rogers State Sr. Broken Arrow Oklahoma D Miguel Torrecillas Southern Nazarene So. Albacete, Spain GK Ian Milla Northeastern State Fr. Lima, Peru2023 ALL-GAC/MIAA MEN'S SOCCER SECOND TEAM F Ebon Jordan Ouachita Baptist Sr. Cedar Hill, Texas F Felix Ramirez Newman Sr. Almeria, Spain F Alberto Romano Newman Jr. Cancun, Mexico F&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/elias-ovelar-semeniuk/7678">Elias Ovelar Semeniuk</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Fr. Asuncion, Paraguay MF&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/agustin-ayala/7302">Agustin Ayala</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State So. Asuncion, Paraguay MF Carlos Bellosta Manchon Newman Sr. Madrid, Spain MF Grant King Rogers State Sr. Tulsa Oklahoma MF Rinta Takagi Southern Nazarene So. Gifu, Japan D Artur Carvalho Rogers State Fr. Faro, Portugal D Esteban Ramirez Southern Nazarene Jr. Dallas, Texas D&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/chris-rios-cruz/7316">Chris Rios-Cruz</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Sr. San Antonio, Texas D Trindon Turner Rogers State Jr. Edmond, Oklahoma GK Declan Viljoen Rogers State Jr. Auckland New Zealand2023 ALL-GAC/MIAA MEN'S SOCCER HONORABLE MENTION TEAM F George Robinson Rogers State Sr. Maidstone England MF Donovan Aparicio Northeastern State Jr. Dallas, Texas MF Daniel Marcano Ouachita Baptist So. Caracas, Venezuela MF Hugo Martin Rogers State So. Malaga Spain D Marcovich Brown Northeastern State Jr. Gregory Park, Jamaica D&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/inigo-jimenez/7313">Inigo Jimenez</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Sr. Madrid, Spain D Ben Mings Northeastern State So. Colleyville, Texas D Augustine Seaver Southern Nazarene Fr. Tokyo, Japan D Matthew Sweetman Rogers State Jr. Portsmouth, England GK&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7307">Ben Dixon</a>&nbsp;Fort Hays State Gr. Conroe, Texas GK Andrej Krivokapic Southern Nazarene Fr. Niksic, MontenegroScholar Athlete Awards Winners Elite Trindon Turner, Rogers State&nbsp;&nbsp;Distinguished <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/scott-pengelly/7442">Scott Pengelly</a>, Fort Hays State <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>, Fort Hays State Blake Classen, Rogers State Grant King, Rogers State George Paul Robinson, Rogers State Sebastian Hernandez, Rogers State Jedidiah Huibregtse, Southern Nazarene&nbsp; &nbsp;

⚽ Eight Tigers named All-GAC/MIAA

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State women's tennis head coach Brian Flax has announced the signing of Janae Montoya, a four-time state qualifier from Salina Central High School in Salina, Kan.

A two-time regional champion and three-time state placer, Montoya completed her high-school career with an overall record of 123-24. She finished as high as third individually at the KSHSAA Class 5A State Championships in 2022, capping off a 31-2 junior season, also placing fifth as a sophomore and seventh as a senior. She helped the Mustangs to runner-up finishes as a team in 2021 and again in 2023, while Salina Central finished third as a team in 2022.

Montoya is also a world-class twirler, winning a world championship in 2023 in England to go with multiple national twirling titles. She also excels in the classroom, sitting atop her class in GPA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699558940735.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State women's tennis head coach Brian Flax has announced the signing of Janae Montoya, a four-time state qualifier from Salina Central High School in Salina, Kan.A two-time regional champion and three-time state placer, Montoya completed her high-school career with an overall record of 123-24. She finished as high as third individually at the KSHSAA Class 5A State Championships in 2022, capping off a 31-2 junior season, also placing fifth as a sophomore and seventh as a senior. She helped the Mustangs to runner-up finishes as a team in 2021 and again in 2023, while Salina Central finished third as a team in 2022.Montoya is also a world-class twirler, winning a world championship in 2023 in England to go with multiple national twirling titles. She also excels in the classroom, sitting atop her class in GPA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 FHSU inks four-time state qualifier