LARNED -&nbsp;TMP-Marian’s Ashley Hipp
placed sixth at the Larned Invitational golf tournament Thursday at the Larned Country Club.

Hipp shot a 101 and
finishes eight shots off the lead.

Cimarron's Jade Loewen won the individual title with a 93.

Hoisington took the team title with a 414, four shots better than Hesston.

Hays PostLARNED -&nbsp;TMP-Marian’s Ashley Hipp
placed sixth at the Larned Invitational golf tournament Thursday at the Larned Country Club.Hipp shot a 101 and
finishes eight shots off the lead.Cimarron's Jade Loewen won the individual title with a 93.Hoisington took the team title with a 414, four shots better than Hesston.

⛳ TMP-Marian's Hipp places sixth in Larned

WAKEENEY - Both the TMP-Marian
boys and girls cross country teams finished third at Thursday Trego Community
Cross Country meet. Oakley won the girls meet with 26 points, Quinter finished
second with 36 and the Monarchs third with 45. Hoxie took the boys division
with 15 points, Quinter was second with 21 then the Monarchs third with 65.

<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/566222-trego-community-xc-meet-2023/results">CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE
RESULTS</a>

TMP-Marian junior Ella Bain
led the Monarch girls with an 11th place finish (23:55.77). Allison Weber placed 17th (25:14.51).

Ellis sophomore Avery Boydston
won the girls race with a time of 20:24.82. Trego’s Kallan Rothchild finished
10th (23:11.68.)

Caden Becker paced the Monarch boys with an 11th place finish (19:16.08). Zecharia Dickman finished 18th (20:33.03)
and freshman Mattias Marintzer 19th (20:34.19).

Senior Evan Pearce of
Wallace County won the boys race with a time of 17:08.84. Quinter’s Hans Deaton
finished third (17:48.31).

Hays PostWAKEENEY - Both the TMP-Marian
boys and girls cross country teams finished third at Thursday Trego Community
Cross Country meet. Oakley won the girls meet with 26 points, Quinter finished
second with 36 and the Monarchs third with 45. Hoxie took the boys division
with 15 points, Quinter was second with 21 then the Monarchs third with 65.<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/566222-trego-community-xc-meet-2023/results">CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE
RESULTS</a>TMP-Marian junior Ella Bain
led the Monarch girls with an 11th place finish (23:55.77). Allison Weber placed 17th (25:14.51).Ellis sophomore Avery Boydston
won the girls race with a time of 20:24.82. Trego’s Kallan Rothchild finished
10th (23:11.68.)Caden Becker paced the Monarch boys with an 11th place finish (19:16.08). Zecharia Dickman finished 18th (20:33.03)
and freshman Mattias Marintzer 19th (20:34.19).Senior Evan Pearce of
Wallace County won the boys race with a time of 17:08.84. Quinter’s Hans Deaton
finished third (17:48.31).

👟 Monarch boys and girls finish third in WaKeeney

HAYS - The High High girls cross country team won their first meet on the new Rolling Ridge course Thursday morning. The Indians placed six in the top-10 and won the large class race by 24 points over Garden City.

<a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://heartlandtiming.com/results/2023/Hays%20High%20XC%20Results.pdf">COMPLETE MEET RESULTS</a>

The meet was the first on the new Rolling Ridge course located off the highway 183 bypass near Enersys. The course was developed by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough after the Sand Plum course near Victoria was no longer available.

Arely Maldonado was individual champ setting a new school 5K record with a time of&nbsp;&nbsp;19:00.3.&nbsp; Brynn Kinderknecht finished fourth (21:13.4), Brenlynn Albers fifth (21:46.8), Julia Zadina sixth (21:51.3),&nbsp;Mika Zimmerman eighth (22:11.6) and Cara Cunningham 10th (22:26.5).

The HHS boys placed third. They were led by Elijah McCullough who finished third with a time of&nbsp;16:38.4. Taevin Maupin placed seventh (17:33.8).

Hays PostHAYS - The High High girls cross country team won their first meet on the new Rolling Ridge course Thursday morning. The Indians placed six in the top-10 and won the large class race by 24 points over Garden City.<a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://heartlandtiming.com/results/2023/Hays%20High%20XC%20Results.pdf">COMPLETE MEET RESULTS</a>The meet was the first on the new Rolling Ridge course located off the highway 183 bypass near Enersys. The course was developed by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough after the Sand Plum course near Victoria was no longer available.Arely Maldonado was individual champ setting a new school 5K record with a time of&nbsp;&nbsp;19:00.3.&nbsp; Brynn Kinderknecht finished fourth (21:13.4), Brenlynn Albers fifth (21:46.8), Julia Zadina sixth (21:51.3),&nbsp;Mika Zimmerman eighth (22:11.6) and Cara Cunningham 10th (22:26.5).The HHS boys placed third. They were led by Elijah McCullough who finished third with a time of&nbsp;16:38.4. Taevin Maupin placed seventh (17:33.8).

👟 HHS Maldonado sets school record on new course

🎥Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By BRENT MAYCOCK <a href="https://kshsaacovered.com/news/2023/9/13/play-more-ball-kshsaa-board-of-directors-approves-increase-in-games-for-baseball-softball.aspx">KSHSAA Covered</a>

For as long as Heath Gerstner and Rick Sabath have been around high school baseball in Kansas, as players and coaches, the topic has been a source of contention.

“Why can’t Kansas play more games?”

Since 1965, high school baseball and softball teams in Kansas have been limited to a maximum of 20 regular-season games. In the nearly 60 years since, efforts to extend the season were shot down, most recently last April when Kansas State High School Activities Association’s Board of Directors voted 33-32 to maintain the status quo.

“I think there’s a lot of challenges any time there’s change,” said Gerstner, who not only is the head baseball coach at McPherson but also has been the president of the KABC for the past four years. “To see the good at the end is sometimes difficult and there’s so many points of view out there with big schools and small schools, baseball programs with 60 kids involved and programs with 11 kids involved. To find a way to allow all of those programs the opportunity to play in more games was important.”

Dejected, but undeterred by past rejections, the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches didn’t go back to the drawing board. Instead, it took some feedback from the board and joined forces with the state’s softball coaches to try and elicit change.

On Wednesday, change finally occurred. At the KSHSAA’s first Board of Directors meeting of the 2023-24 school year, the proposal to increase the maximum number of baseball and softball games allowed during the regular season again was up for vote.

And this time, it had more than enough momentum and support to pass.

With a 42-17 vote in baseball and 48-11 vote in softball, high school teams may now play up to 26 regular season games. The change is effective immediately.

“I think we finally did what’s best for kids,” Gerstner said. “Our players deserve more games and we’re excited.”

Sabath, who began coaching in the college ranks at various stops in Kansas before taking over at Olathe West when the school opened, said the process has been a long time coming. And one many involved with the KABC weren’t sure would ever come.

“This has been a passion of ours for a long time,” said Sabath, who takes over at St. Thomas Aquinas this spring as head coach. “We were told it would never happen. To see it happen today is so fulfilling for all of us and all the guys in the past who tried to get this done."

The proposal to increase the maximum number of games was put forth by the Sunflower League and Olathe West athletic director Pat Butler made a brief presentation on behalf of the league. In his presentation, Butler made a simple rationale.

“Kansas lags behind, really the rest of the country, but specifically the states that surround us,” Butler said.

The numbers back up that claim. Nebraska allows its high school baseball and softball teams to play more than 30 games. Missouri allows 26. Oklahoma 37. Iowa 40.

In addition, he presented numbers on the percentage of games played at the high school level compared with the college level. Where basketball plays roughly 67% of a collegiate schedule, soccer plays around 80% and volleyball is over 90%, baseball and softball have a schedule that is closer to 40% of the collegiate slate.

“It’s not really just about the volume of games,” Butler said. “But the opportunities those games can provide our kids and programs – to maybe play in tournaments, leave their league and move around the state and play a bit, all unique things we want to provide our kids.”

Gerstner said the KABC has been working on extending the season for quite some time now, and when the 2020 season was canceled for COVID concerns it drove home that desire even more. The proposal had the backing of 90% of the state’s baseball coaches.

Butler and Sunflower League colleagues Todd Dain, principal at Shawnee Mission South, and Jay Novacek, principal at Olathe West – who officially put the proposal to the vote -- also expressed concerns about the lure of club sports of elite athletes in both baseball and softball, particularly in the metro area.

“I would argue that high school sports, particularly baseball and softball, are under attack at times from club sports,” Butler said. “We need to continue to provide new opportunities, more opportunities for our athletes. We want to protect our high school programs and this is the opportunity to do that.”

“We want to promote our sports because we believe that’s where it’s at,” Novacek said. “It teaches life lessons and builds life-long relationships. We would hate to lose those.”

Discussion on the floor after both Butler and Gerstner spoke in favor of the proposal raised questions about the number of games involving the loss of instructional time being raised from 13 to 20 games. Paola principal Jeff Hines also presented a counter-argument about the impact of an increase in baseball and softball games on other sports and activities.

“I both appreciate and admire the passion that the baseball coaches have expressed in support of this,” Hines said. “However, we need to promote the belief system as school administrators and members of the board of directors that all activities that we offer at our member schools are important. We have a duty to make sure that one sport or activity doesn’t take precedence.”

Hines cited the addition of preseason jamborees for baseball and softball this season as well as the addition of a preseason arm-care conditioning throwing program for baseball pitchers as new amenities already afforded the sport. He also raised concerns about conflicts for dual-sport or dual-activity student-athletes during a spring schedule loaded with various state competitions such as forensics and music.

“For us to figure out how to make all those things interact and not make baseball more important or less important is difficult,” Hines said.

Horton principal Larry Mills also levied concerns from smaller schools that already battle low numbers, and in particular, pitchers currently that would be taxed even more by an increased schedule.

Gerstner said he understood such concerns.

“We’re allowing 26 games, not making it mandatory,” he said. “We’re neighboring schools with Little River and they may not think that 26 games fits their personnel, where it does us.”

After the pro/con discussion, the vote was held and it was overwhelmingly in support of increasing the maximum to 26 games for both baseball and softball.

“I’m super-excited with the decision today,” Gerstner said. “I think it all came down to the aspect that you’re not required to play the 26. You look at the postseasons now and you’ve got teams going into regionals with 17 games even though it says play 20. Games get pushed back, rainouts happen, it’s difficult. Now with 26, if you get rained out, you still get 23, 24 games.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

By BRENT MAYCOCK <a href="https://kshsaacovered.com/news/2023/9/13/play-more-ball-kshsaa-board-of-directors-approves-increase-in-games-for-baseball-softball.aspx">KSHSAA Covered</a>For as long as Heath Gerstner and Rick Sabath have been around high school baseball in Kansas, as players and coaches, the topic has been a source of contention.“Why can’t Kansas play more games?”Since 1965, high school baseball and softball teams in Kansas have been limited to a maximum of 20 regular-season games. In the nearly 60 years since, efforts to extend the season were shot down, most recently last April when Kansas State High School Activities Association’s Board of Directors voted 33-32 to maintain the status quo.“I think there’s a lot of challenges any time there’s change,” said Gerstner, who not only is the head baseball coach at McPherson but also has been the president of the KABC for the past four years. “To see the good at the end is sometimes difficult and there’s so many points of view out there with big schools and small schools, baseball programs with 60 kids involved and programs with 11 kids involved. To find a way to allow all of those programs the opportunity to play in more games was important.”Dejected, but undeterred by past rejections, the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches didn’t go back to the drawing board. Instead, it took some feedback from the board and joined forces with the state’s softball coaches to try and elicit change.On Wednesday, change finally occurred. At the KSHSAA’s first Board of Directors meeting of the 2023-24 school year, the proposal to increase the maximum number of baseball and softball games allowed during the regular season again was up for vote.And this time, it had more than enough momentum and support to pass.With a 42-17 vote in baseball and 48-11 vote in softball, high school teams may now play up to 26 regular season games. The change is effective immediately.“I think we finally did what’s best for kids,” Gerstner said. “Our players deserve more games and we’re excited.”Sabath, who began coaching in the college ranks at various stops in Kansas before taking over at Olathe West when the school opened, said the process has been a long time coming. And one many involved with the KABC weren’t sure would ever come.“This has been a passion of ours for a long time,” said Sabath, who takes over at St. Thomas Aquinas this spring as head coach. “We were told it would never happen. To see it happen today is so fulfilling for all of us and all the guys in the past who tried to get this done."The proposal to increase the maximum number of games was put forth by the Sunflower League and Olathe West athletic director Pat Butler made a brief presentation on behalf of the league. In his presentation, Butler made a simple rationale.“Kansas lags behind, really the rest of the country, but specifically the states that surround us,” Butler said.The numbers back up that claim. Nebraska allows its high school baseball and softball teams to play more than 30 games. Missouri allows 26. Oklahoma 37. Iowa 40.In addition, he presented numbers on the percentage of games played at the high school level compared with the college level. Where basketball plays roughly 67% of a collegiate schedule, soccer plays around 80% and volleyball is over 90%, baseball and softball have a schedule that is closer to 40% of the collegiate slate.“It’s not really just about the volume of games,” Butler said. “But the opportunities those games can provide our kids and programs – to maybe play in tournaments, leave their league and move around the state and play a bit, all unique things we want to provide our kids.”Gerstner said the KABC has been working on extending the season for quite some time now, and when the 2020 season was canceled for COVID concerns it drove home that desire even more. The proposal had the backing of 90% of the state’s baseball coaches.Butler and Sunflower League colleagues Todd Dain, principal at Shawnee Mission South, and Jay Novacek, principal at Olathe West – who officially put the proposal to the vote -- also expressed concerns about the lure of club sports of elite athletes in both baseball and softball, particularly in the metro area.“I would argue that high school sports, particularly baseball and softball, are under attack at times from club sports,” Butler said. “We need to continue to provide new opportunities, more opportunities for our athletes. We want to protect our high school programs and this is the opportunity to do that.”“We want to promote our sports because we believe that’s where it’s at,” Novacek said. “It teaches life lessons and builds life-long relationships. We would hate to lose those.”Discussion on the floor after both Butler and Gerstner spoke in favor of the proposal raised questions about the number of games involving the loss of instructional time being raised from 13 to 20 games. Paola principal Jeff Hines also presented a counter-argument about the impact of an increase in baseball and softball games on other sports and activities.“I both appreciate and admire the passion that the baseball coaches have expressed in support of this,” Hines said. “However, we need to promote the belief system as school administrators and members of the board of directors that all activities that we offer at our member schools are important. We have a duty to make sure that one sport or activity doesn’t take precedence.”Hines cited the addition of preseason jamborees for baseball and softball this season as well as the addition of a preseason arm-care conditioning throwing program for baseball pitchers as new amenities already afforded the sport. He also raised concerns about conflicts for dual-sport or dual-activity student-athletes during a spring schedule loaded with various state competitions such as forensics and music.“For us to figure out how to make all those things interact and not make baseball more important or less important is difficult,” Hines said.Horton principal Larry Mills also levied concerns from smaller schools that already battle low numbers, and in particular, pitchers currently that would be taxed even more by an increased schedule.Gerstner said he understood such concerns.“We’re allowing 26 games, not making it mandatory,” he said. “We’re neighboring schools with Little River and they may not think that 26 games fits their personnel, where it does us.”After the pro/con discussion, the vote was held and it was overwhelmingly in support of increasing the maximum to 26 games for both baseball and softball.“I’m super-excited with the decision today,” Gerstner said. “I think it all came down to the aspect that you’re not required to play the 26. You look at the postseasons now and you’ve got teams going into regionals with 17 games even though it says play 20. Games get pushed back, rainouts happen, it’s difficult. Now with 26, if you get rained out, you still get 23, 24 games.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾🥎 Play more ball! KSHSAA Board of Directors approves increase in games for baseball, softball

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's soccer team played the formidable Midwestern State Mustangs on Wednesday. Despite their determination, the Tigers found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-0 score, as the No. 6 ranked Mustangs extended their unbeaten record to 4-0-1, while the Tigers now stand at 1-4-0.

Mere Escobar, Midwestern State's star striker, wasted no time, notching his sixth goal of the season in the 29th minute, courtesy of an Anthony Perea assist. The first half saw the Mustangs dominate by recording a flurry of nine shots, with four finding their way to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7307">Ben Dixon</a>. The score was 1-0 in favor of the Mustangs through the first half and they held possession for most of the half.

The second half witnessed a spirited Tigers side launching three shots within the first five minutes. However, the Mustangs' composure shone through. In the 62nd minute, Escobar found the net once more, tallying his seventh goal of the season, thanks to an exquisite combination play involving Daniel Yu and Josh Milla. Despite the Tigers' relentless efforts, breaching the Mustangs' resilient defense proved challenging. Mustangs' goalkeeper Adam Braman made two crucial saves to safeguard the lead. Their disciplined play was also reflected in their nine fouls compared to the Tigers' 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/collin-hershberger/7682">Collin Hershberger</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with two shots, one being on goal.

The Tigers are at home for their next match against Newman next Thursday (Sept. 21). The match against Newman will mark the start of GAC play.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694655032989.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State freshman forward Oliver Larsen tries to take the ball away from Midwestern State forward Maycol Reyes in an NCAA soccer match on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State freshman forward Oliver Larsen tries to take the ball away from Midwestern State forward Maycol Reyes in an NCAA soccer match on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's soccer team played the formidable Midwestern State Mustangs on Wednesday. Despite their determination, the Tigers found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-0 score, as the No. 6 ranked Mustangs extended their unbeaten record to 4-0-1, while the Tigers now stand at 1-4-0.Mere Escobar, Midwestern State's star striker, wasted no time, notching his sixth goal of the season in the 29th minute, courtesy of an Anthony Perea assist. The first half saw the Mustangs dominate by recording a flurry of nine shots, with four finding their way to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/ben-dixon/7307">Ben Dixon</a>. The score was 1-0 in favor of the Mustangs through the first half and they held possession for most of the half.The second half witnessed a spirited Tigers side launching three shots within the first five minutes. However, the Mustangs' composure shone through. In the 62nd minute, Escobar found the net once more, tallying his seventh goal of the season, thanks to an exquisite combination play involving Daniel Yu and Josh Milla. Despite the Tigers' relentless efforts, breaching the Mustangs' resilient defense proved challenging. Mustangs' goalkeeper Adam Braman made two crucial saves to safeguard the lead. Their disciplined play was also reflected in their nine fouls compared to the Tigers' 18.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/collin-hershberger/7682">Collin Hershberger</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with two shots, one being on goal.The Tigers are at home for their next match against Newman next Thursday (Sept. 21). The match against Newman will mark the start of GAC play.

⚽ Tigers show grit in loss to No. 6 Mustangs

SALINA, Kan. – Fort Hays State competed in its first team match of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday (Sept. 13) at Kansas Wesleyan University. The Tigers allowed only three points in doubles play and swept singles matches in straight sets to win 7-0 over the Coyotes.

The No. 1 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/7541">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/fiorella-mendez/7544">Fiorella Mendez</a>&nbsp;and the No. 2 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/ines-latorre/7609">Ines Latorre</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/shreethika-vangala/7612">Shreethika Vangala</a>&nbsp;blanked their opposition 8-0, while the No. 3 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/grace-unruh/7547">Grace Unruh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/heidi-lubbers/7542">Heidi Lubbers</a>&nbsp;won 8-3.

Latorre did not surrender a point in either of her matches for the day as she won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 4 singles. Alfonso surrendered just a point in each set of her No. 1 singles match (6-1, 6-1). At No. 6,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/ines-steeman/7613">Ines Steeman</a>&nbsp;blanked her opponent in the first set before hanging on for a 7-5 win in the second set. The remaining three matches were a bit more competitive. At No. 2 Vangala won 6-4, 6-3, at No. 3 Mendez won 6-4, 6-2, and at No. 5 Unruh won 6-3, 6-4.

Twin sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/heidi-lubbers/7542">Heidi Lubbers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/hope-lubbers/7543">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;each played exhibition matches. Heidi won 8-2, 8-0, and Hope won 8-1, 8-0.

Now 1-0, Fort Hays State heads to Pueblo, Colorado this weekend for three matches. They face MSU Denver on Friday at 5:30 p.m. (4:30 MT) before taking on Colorado Mesa and CSU Pueblo on Saturday with action set to start at 9:30 a.m. (8:30 MT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694654674072.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsSALINA, Kan. – Fort Hays State competed in its first team match of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday (Sept. 13) at Kansas Wesleyan University. The Tigers allowed only three points in doubles play and swept singles matches in straight sets to win 7-0 over the Coyotes.The No. 1 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/7541">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/fiorella-mendez/7544">Fiorella Mendez</a>&nbsp;and the No. 2 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/ines-latorre/7609">Ines Latorre</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/shreethika-vangala/7612">Shreethika Vangala</a>&nbsp;blanked their opposition 8-0, while the No. 3 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/grace-unruh/7547">Grace Unruh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/heidi-lubbers/7542">Heidi Lubbers</a>&nbsp;won 8-3.Latorre did not surrender a point in either of her matches for the day as she won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 4 singles. Alfonso surrendered just a point in each set of her No. 1 singles match (6-1, 6-1). At No. 6,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/ines-steeman/7613">Ines Steeman</a>&nbsp;blanked her opponent in the first set before hanging on for a 7-5 win in the second set. The remaining three matches were a bit more competitive. At No. 2 Vangala won 6-4, 6-3, at No. 3 Mendez won 6-4, 6-2, and at No. 5 Unruh won 6-3, 6-4.Twin sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/heidi-lubbers/7542">Heidi Lubbers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/hope-lubbers/7543">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;each played exhibition matches. Heidi won 8-2, 8-0, and Hope won 8-1, 8-0.Now 1-0, Fort Hays State heads to Pueblo, Colorado this weekend for three matches. They face MSU Denver on Friday at 5:30 p.m. (4:30 MT) before taking on Colorado Mesa and CSU Pueblo on Saturday with action set to start at 9:30 a.m. (8:30 MT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Tigers cruise to victory at Kansas Wesleyan

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Given another chance, Chris Jones acknowledged Wednesday that he would have changed the way he approached his holdout with the Kansas City Chiefs, which the All-Pro defensive tackle carried through the offseason, training camp and preseason right through their season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions.

Exactly how would he change it? Jones didn't really say.

“When you have a lot of new guys, it's kind of tough to be away, especially in the defensive line room,” said Jones, who was back at practice two days after agreeing to a reworked one-year deal that could amount to a raise if certain incentives are hit.

“These are the decisions you have to live with," he continued. "I would change it, but I’m grateful for how it turned out.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he expects Jones to be on the field in some capacity Sunday in Jacksonville.

“He's an important part of it and you know, I'm glad he's back. We'll just see where he's at physically as we go,” Reid said. “He normally keeps himself in pretty good shape. We'll see how he does out there.”

Jones spent the Chiefs' opener against Detroit last Thursday watching from a suite — his suite.

It wasn't exactly a view he enjoyed, either, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-nfl-opener-2023-47ffe470713ec61bac6ed0570003658a">Kansas City stumbled to a 21-20 loss</a>. Jones was powerless to help his teammates after they celebrated their latest Super Bowl triumph with a pregame banner-raising ceremony, and he mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mahomes-dropped-passes-chiefs-lions-c8ae8f426ed6bf1bc861241ec5edcce9">spent the game “biting my nails”</a>&nbsp;and feeling like the other 80,000-some fans jammed into Arrowhead Stadium.

“It all felt crazy," Jones said. "First time I ever sat in my suite. I see what I pay so much money for. Food was amazing. But it was a different viewpoint. I could see from a fan's viewpoint how stressful it is.”

It's been a stressful offseason for the Chiefs, who have been trying to reach an agreement with Jones on a long-term deal; he is finishing a four-year, $80 million pact.

But the sides were never close, and as negotiations dragged on, Jones racked up millions in fines for missing mandatory minicamp, training camp and the preseason. He also forfeited his Week 1 game check.

Jones said his reworked contract allows him to recoup the fines, but did not discuss the details of it. He also said that he would not continue negotiations during the season but was open to revisiting them once it is complete.

“I don't want to go back and forth during the season,” Jones said. “My focus right now is being the best me I can be for this team; being the best player on this defense, the best player in the league. Anything less than that is a disappointment to myself.”

Jones also said he wasn't necessarily trying to become the league's highest-paid defensive tackle. That honor that currently belongs to the Rams' Aaron Donald, who is playing on a three-year, $96 million contract.

“Not at all,” he said. “Is it important to be the best at my position? Absolutely.”

There's an argument to be made that Jones was exactly that last season. He had 15 1/2 sacks to match the best season of his career, picked up his first postseason sacks and won his second Super Bowl ring in the past four years.

His ability to produce pressure from the interior of the line is unique, and it was sorely missing in the Chiefs' loss to the Lions. They were already playing without defensive end Charles Omenihu, who is serving a six-game suspension handed down by the NFL, and wound up sacking Detroit's Jared Goff just once.

Goes without saying that the group up front will need to do better against Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday.

Just how much Jones will play in Jacksonville remains to be seen, but he was welcomed back Wednesday by a Kansas City locker room that consistently said throughout the offseason that it would stay out of his business.

“Happy to have him. Chris is not only a great player but a great person in the locker room,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “Always has a smile on his face. Like I said early in training camp, whenever he gets back here, we're going to welcome him with open arms, and now we're going to try to get out there and get a win.”

NOTES: TE Travis Kelce was back at practice after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-nfl-e6110044c0256cb73dcd3dd54ec1068c">hyperextending his knee last week</a>. He missed the game against Detroit but Reid was optimistic he will be available in Jacksonville. “It's like Chris. They're good football players. We welcome them back in and we go,” Reid said, “but on the other hand, I expect the other guys to step up and do the job.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694640800707.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Given another chance, Chris Jones acknowledged Wednesday that he would have changed the way he approached his holdout with the Kansas City Chiefs, which the All-Pro defensive tackle carried through the offseason, training camp and preseason right through their season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions.Exactly how would he change it? Jones didn't really say.“When you have a lot of new guys, it's kind of tough to be away, especially in the defensive line room,” said Jones, who was back at practice two days after agreeing to a reworked one-year deal that could amount to a raise if certain incentives are hit.“These are the decisions you have to live with," he continued. "I would change it, but I’m grateful for how it turned out.”Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he expects Jones to be on the field in some capacity Sunday in Jacksonville.“He's an important part of it and you know, I'm glad he's back. We'll just see where he's at physically as we go,” Reid said. “He normally keeps himself in pretty good shape. We'll see how he does out there.”At least he will be out there.Jones spent the Chiefs' opener against Detroit last Thursday watching from a suite — his suite.It wasn't exactly a view he enjoyed, either, as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-nfl-opener-2023-47ffe470713ec61bac6ed0570003658a">Kansas City stumbled to a 21-20 loss</a>. Jones was powerless to help his teammates after they celebrated their latest Super Bowl triumph with a pregame banner-raising ceremony, and he mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mahomes-dropped-passes-chiefs-lions-c8ae8f426ed6bf1bc861241ec5edcce9">spent the game “biting my nails”</a>&nbsp;and feeling like the other 80,000-some fans jammed into Arrowhead Stadium.“It all felt crazy," Jones said. "First time I ever sat in my suite. I see what I pay so much money for. Food was amazing. But it was a different viewpoint. I could see from a fan's viewpoint how stressful it is.”It's been a stressful offseason for the Chiefs, who have been trying to reach an agreement with Jones on a long-term deal; he is finishing a four-year, $80 million pact.But the sides were never close, and as negotiations dragged on, Jones racked up millions in fines for missing mandatory minicamp, training camp and the preseason. He also forfeited his Week 1 game check.Jones said his reworked contract allows him to recoup the fines, but did not discuss the details of it. He also said that he would not continue negotiations during the season but was open to revisiting them once it is complete.“I don't want to go back and forth during the season,” Jones said. “My focus right now is being the best me I can be for this team; being the best player on this defense, the best player in the league. Anything less than that is a disappointment to myself.”Jones also said he wasn't necessarily trying to become the league's highest-paid defensive tackle. That honor that currently belongs to the Rams' Aaron Donald, who is playing on a three-year, $96 million contract.“Not at all,” he said. “Is it important to be the best at my position? Absolutely.”There's an argument to be made that Jones was exactly that last season. He had 15 1/2 sacks to match the best season of his career, picked up his first postseason sacks and won his second Super Bowl ring in the past four years.His ability to produce pressure from the interior of the line is unique, and it was sorely missing in the Chiefs' loss to the Lions. They were already playing without defensive end Charles Omenihu, who is serving a six-game suspension handed down by the NFL, and wound up sacking Detroit's Jared Goff just once.Goes without saying that the group up front will need to do better against Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday.Just how much Jones will play in Jacksonville remains to be seen, but he was welcomed back Wednesday by a Kansas City locker room that consistently said throughout the offseason that it would stay out of his business.“Happy to have him. Chris is not only a great player but a great person in the locker room,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “Always has a smile on his face. Like I said early in training camp, whenever he gets back here, we're going to welcome him with open arms, and now we're going to try to get out there and get a win.”NOTES: TE Travis Kelce was back at practice after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-nfl-e6110044c0256cb73dcd3dd54ec1068c">hyperextending his knee last week</a>. He missed the game against Detroit but Reid was optimistic he will be available in Jacksonville. “It's like Chris. They're good football players. We welcome them back in and we go,” Reid said, “but on the other hand, I expect the other guys to step up and do the job.”

🏈 Chiefs' Chris Jones: 'I would change it' if given another chance to avoid a holdout

Listen to Wednesday's Tiger Talk from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock is joined by men's soccer coach Gerry Cleary, cross country coach Jason McCullough, volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.

Tiger Talk airs live on KAYS (1400/94.3) Wednesday's at 12:10 p.m.

Listen to Wednesday's Tiger Talk from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock is joined by men's soccer coach Gerry Cleary, cross country coach Jason McCullough, volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins and football coach Chris Brown.Tiger Talk airs live on KAYS (1400/94.3) Wednesday's at 12:10 p.m.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Sept. 13, 2023)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=euv3k-14a5a7c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Sept. 13, 2023)

CHICAGO (AP) — Maikel García hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning after Kansas City wasted a nine-run lead, and the Royals hung on to beat the Chicago White Sox 11-10 on Tuesday night for a doubleheader split.

Chicago took the opener 6-2 as Dylan Cease won consecutive decisions for just the third time and the White Sox ended a strange run of losses when their pitchers struck out 14 or more — Chicago had been 0-11 this year.

Kansas City, a major league-worst 45-101, has lost at least 100 games for the third time in six seasons and with 16 games left could break the team record of 106, set in 2005. The Royals had not lost when leading by nine runs since a 15-13 defeat to Cleveland on Aug. 23, 2006, when Kansas City led 10-1 after the first inning.

“Give our guys credit. When they tied it up there, that’s a really demoralizing inning,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “For them to bounce back and score again … that’s a lot for them to do.”

Logan Porter capped a four-run first inning in the second game with an RBI single, Michael Massey hit a three-run homer in a four-run second and Salvador Perez hit his second RBI single of the game in the third as the Royals built a 9-0 lead.

Eloy Jiménez started Chicago’s comeback with a fifth-inning homer against Jordan Lyles, and Gavin Sheets hit a three-run double off Taylor Clarke (3-5) in an eight-run sixth, then tied the score 9-9 when he scored on Lenyn Sosa’s sacrifice fly.

“It was a really good inning for us,” Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “But those are the games we’ve got to close out.”

García put the Royals back in front 10-9 with his single off Deivi García (0-1), who made his White Sox debut after he was claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees. Bobby Witt Jr. added a sacrifice fly in the ninth against Michael Kopech.

“We knew that we needed to get to their bullpen and were successful at doing that,” García said through a translator after ending an 0-for-20 skid.

Luis Robert hit into a run-scoring forceout in the ninth against Carlos Hernández, who got his fourth save in nine chances when Jiménez hit into a game-ending forceout.

White Sox starter Touki Toussaint gave up eight runs, matching a career high, and six hits while throwing 46 pitches and getting just three outs. Lyles, whose 16 losses top the major leagues, allowed seven runs and seven hits in five innings.

Cease (7-7) allowed one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts and one walk. Bryan Shaw struck out three over 1 2/3 innings, Lane Ramsey one and Gregory Santos two in a perfect ninth for his fifth save in nine chances.

“Today was solid,” Cease said. “I thought I commanded the ball well and mixed it up good and the defense and offense played well.”

Cease’s only other consecutive winning decisions this year were April 5 and 10, and May 23 and July 16 — with eight no-decisions in between.

Chicago took a 5-0 lead in the first against Brady Singer (8-11), who dropped to 0-3 in his last four starts. Jiménez and Yoán Moncada hit RBI singles, Sheets had a two-run single and Elvis Andrus grounded into a run-scoring forceout.

“I just struggled there in the first,” Singer said. “Command was pretty bad. Quite a bit of damage there.”

Witt was 3 for 3, his 15th game this year of three or more hits for the Royals. Edward Olivares had an RBI double in the fourth and a run-scoring single in the sixth.

Logan Porter, a 28-year-old catcher, made his major league debut for the Royals and went 2 for 4 with two RBIs. The ball from his first hit was secured by first base coach Damon Hollins and will probably end up in his man cave, he said.

“I thought the nerves were going to be a little bit higher,” Porter said after a dousing from his teammates and a visit with a dozen friends and family. “I was very comfortable and very confident, which was awesome.”

Porter was a teen clubhouse attendant at the Royals’ spring training facility Phoenix and worked as a bullpen catcher in the organization before getting the call from Triple-A Omaha on Monday. His wife and parents were among the crew that made the trip to Chicago.

Royals: LHP Austin Cox has a torn left ACL and a damaged MCL, and will need surgery. ... C Freddy Fermin had season-ending surgery Tuesday on his left middle finger.

White Sox: Robert appeared to foul a ball off his left knee in the fourth of the second game but continued the at-bat after a visit from an athletic trainer. … Jiménez will be used only as a designated hitter in the final days of the season, manager Pedro Grifol said. Sheets, Trayce Thompson and Zach Remillard will get opportunities to start in right field.

Royals rookie Steven Cruz (0-0, 7.20 ERA) makes his first career start against fellow RHP Mike Clevinger (7-7, 3.64) in Wednesday night’s series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694577213289.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jordan Lyles walks through the dugout after being pulled during the sixth inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jordan Lyles walks through the dugout after being pulled during the sixth inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Maikel García hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning after Kansas City wasted a nine-run lead, and the Royals hung on to beat the Chicago White Sox 11-10 on Tuesday night for a doubleheader split.Chicago took the opener 6-2 as Dylan Cease won consecutive decisions for just the third time and the White Sox ended a strange run of losses when their pitchers struck out 14 or more — Chicago had been 0-11 this year.Kansas City, a major league-worst 45-101, has lost at least 100 games for the third time in six seasons and with 16 games left could break the team record of 106, set in 2005. The Royals had not lost when leading by nine runs since a 15-13 defeat to Cleveland on Aug. 23, 2006, when Kansas City led 10-1 after the first inning.“Give our guys credit. When they tied it up there, that’s a really demoralizing inning,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “For them to bounce back and score again … that’s a lot for them to do.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694577151520.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. singles off Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Lane Ramsey during the eighth inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. singles off Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Lane Ramsey during the eighth inning in the first game of a baseball doubleheader Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)</figcaption>
 </figure>Logan Porter capped a four-run first inning in the second game with an RBI single, Michael Massey hit a three-run homer in a four-run second and Salvador Perez hit his second RBI single of the game in the third as the Royals built a 9-0 lead.Eloy Jiménez started Chicago’s comeback with a fifth-inning homer against Jordan Lyles, and Gavin Sheets hit a three-run double off Taylor Clarke (3-5) in an eight-run sixth, then tied the score 9-9 when he scored on Lenyn Sosa’s sacrifice fly.“It was a really good inning for us,” Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “But those are the games we’ve got to close out.”García put the Royals back in front 10-9 with his single off Deivi García (0-1), who made his White Sox debut after he was claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees. Bobby Witt Jr. added a sacrifice fly in the ninth against Michael Kopech.“We knew that we needed to get to their bullpen and were successful at doing that,” García said through a translator after ending an 0-for-20 skid.Luis Robert hit into a run-scoring forceout in the ninth against Carlos Hernández, who got his fourth save in nine chances when Jiménez hit into a game-ending forceout.White Sox starter Touki Toussaint gave up eight runs, matching a career high, and six hits while throwing 46 pitches and getting just three outs. Lyles, whose 16 losses top the major leagues, allowed seven runs and seven hits in five innings.Cease (7-7) allowed one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts and one walk. Bryan Shaw struck out three over 1 2/3 innings, Lane Ramsey one and Gregory Santos two in a perfect ninth for his fifth save in nine chances.“Today was solid,” Cease said. “I thought I commanded the ball well and mixed it up good and the defense and offense played well.”Cease’s only other consecutive winning decisions this year were April 5 and 10, and May 23 and July 16 — with eight no-decisions in between.Chicago took a 5-0 lead in the first against Brady Singer (8-11), who dropped to 0-3 in his last four starts. Jiménez and Yoán Moncada hit RBI singles, Sheets had a two-run single and Elvis Andrus grounded into a run-scoring forceout.“I just struggled there in the first,” Singer said. “Command was pretty bad. Quite a bit of damage there.”Witt was 3 for 3, his 15th game this year of three or more hits for the Royals. Edward Olivares had an RBI double in the fourth and a run-scoring single in the sixth.Andrus added an RBI single.SOLID DEBUTLogan Porter, a 28-year-old catcher, made his major league debut for the Royals and went 2 for 4 with two RBIs. The ball from his first hit was secured by first base coach Damon Hollins and will probably end up in his man cave, he said.“I thought the nerves were going to be a little bit higher,” Porter said after a dousing from his teammates and a visit with a dozen friends and family. “I was very comfortable and very confident, which was awesome.”Porter was a teen clubhouse attendant at the Royals’ spring training facility Phoenix and worked as a bullpen catcher in the organization before getting the call from Triple-A Omaha on Monday. His wife and parents were among the crew that made the trip to Chicago.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: LHP Austin Cox has a torn left ACL and a damaged MCL, and will need surgery. ... C Freddy Fermin had season-ending surgery Tuesday on his left middle finger.White Sox: Robert appeared to foul a ball off his left knee in the fourth of the second game but continued the at-bat after a visit from an athletic trainer. … Jiménez will be used only as a designated hitter in the final days of the season, manager Pedro Grifol said. Sheets, Trayce Thompson and Zach Remillard will get opportunities to start in right field.UP NEXTRoyals rookie Steven Cruz (0-0, 7.20 ERA) makes his first career start against fellow RHP Mike Clevinger (7-7, 3.64) in Wednesday night’s series finale.

⚾ Royals blow 9-run lead, beat White Sox in nightcap for DH split

GREAT BEND - The Hays High volleyball team went 0-2 in Great Bend Tuesday.

The Indians lost 10-25, 16-25 to Manhattan and 23-25, 16-25 to Great Bend. 

HHS is now 5-8 on the season. They are in Pratt for a quadrangular Thursday.

Hays PostGREAT BEND - The Hays High volleyball team went 0-2 in Great Bend Tuesday.The Indians lost 10-25, 16-25 to Manhattan and 23-25, 16-25 to Great Bend. HHS is now 5-8 on the season. They are in Pratt for a quadrangular Thursday.

🏐 HHS goes 0-2 in Great Bend

GREAT BEND - The Hays High boys soccer team pushed their winning streak to three with a 5-0 win over Great Bend Tuesday. During the win streak, the Indians have defeated Maize, Hutchinson and the Panthers.

HHS improved to 3-2 on the season. They play their first home match Thursday against Dodge City.

Hays PostGREAT BEND - The Hays High boys soccer team pushed their winning streak to three with a 5-0 win over Great Bend Tuesday. During the win streak, the Indians have defeated Maize, Hutchinson and the Panthers.HHS improved to 3-2 on the season. They play their first home match Thursday against Dodge City.

⚽ Three in a row, Hays High beats Great Bend

LIBERAL -&nbsp;The Hays High girls’
golf team won both the team and individual title Tuesday at the Liberal Redskin Invitational&nbsp; at the Willow Tree Golf Course. The Indians shot a 325 and won by 43 strokes over Garden City. 

Hays placed six in the top-10 but only the top four scores counted toward their team total.

Abbie Norris and Jaycee Oakley both shot a 7-over
par 78 and were tied for the lead after 18 holes. Norris won the first playoff hole and won the individual title. Evyn Cox (83) finishes fourth, Lily Garrison (86) fifth, Liz Dreiling (95) eighth and Ashlynn Banker (96) ninth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694602621812.jpeg" alt="The Hays High girls' golf after winning the Liberal Redskin Invitational on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 in Liberal, Kan. (HHS courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High girls' golf after winning the Liberal Redskin Invitational on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 in Liberal, Kan. (HHS courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostLIBERAL -&nbsp;The Hays High girls’
golf team won both the team and individual title Tuesday at the Liberal Redskin Invitational&nbsp; at the Willow Tree Golf Course. The Indians shot a 325 and won by 43 strokes over Garden City. Hays placed six in the top-10 but only the top four scores counted toward their team total.Abbie Norris and Jaycee Oakley both shot a 7-over
par 78 and were tied for the lead after 18 holes. Norris won the first playoff hole and won the individual title. Evyn Cox (83) finishes fourth, Lily Garrison (86) fifth, Liz Dreiling (95) eighth and Ashlynn Banker (96) ninth.

⛳ HHS wins team, individual title in Liberal

SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team finished 11th&nbsp;as a team at the Lincoln Invitational, hosted by Lincoln Missouri. The tournament was played at The Club at Porto Cima in Sunrise Beach, Missouri. The course was a par-72 course.

Fort Hays State shot rounds of 305, 310, and 310 as a team for a total of 925. The Tigers did finish with two eagles in their third round of play, coming from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/7697">Cooper Scheck</a>&nbsp;and Jackson Radar.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/7697">Cooper Scheck</a>&nbsp;finished in a tie for 32nd&nbsp;individually in his first tournament as a Tiger. Scheck shot a 228 over the three rounds with round scores of 77, 75, and 76. Jackson Radar and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/7694">Parker Krob</a>&nbsp;both tied for 47th. The two both shot a 75 for their best round score with Radar shooting that mark in the first round and Krob shooting the same in his final round.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cole-streck/7698">Cole Streck</a>&nbsp;ended the three rounds of play in a tie for 58th. Streck shot rounds of 75, 80, and 81 for a total of 236 shots.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tanner-copeland/7691">Tanner Copeland</a>&nbsp;tied for 62nd&nbsp;place with a 239.Missouri Southern took home the team title by one stroke over MIAA conference opponent Central Oklahoma. Missouri Southern shot an 881 over the three rounds, finishing with their best round as a team with a 290. Central Oklahoma shot 290 as a team in the second round and 288 in the third round, but started the tournament with a 304 in round one. Rogers State took third place at the tournament.

Robbie Sager of Central Missouri won the individual title after an extremely impressive opening round. Sager managed to shoot 5-under through the first 18 holes of the competition. Sager finished the tournament with a 2-over in round two and an even par in the final round to win the title by one stroke with a 213.The Tigers will play again next Monday-Tuesday (Sept. 18-19) in the NSU Men's Golf Classic at the Muskogee Country Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694600687221.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsSUNRISE BEACH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team finished 11th&nbsp;as a team at the Lincoln Invitational, hosted by Lincoln Missouri. The tournament was played at The Club at Porto Cima in Sunrise Beach, Missouri. The course was a par-72 course.Fort Hays State shot rounds of 305, 310, and 310 as a team for a total of 925. The Tigers did finish with two eagles in their third round of play, coming from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/7697">Cooper Scheck</a>&nbsp;and Jackson Radar.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/7697">Cooper Scheck</a>&nbsp;finished in a tie for 32nd&nbsp;individually in his first tournament as a Tiger. Scheck shot a 228 over the three rounds with round scores of 77, 75, and 76. Jackson Radar and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/7694">Parker Krob</a>&nbsp;both tied for 47th. The two both shot a 75 for their best round score with Radar shooting that mark in the first round and Krob shooting the same in his final round.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cole-streck/7698">Cole Streck</a>&nbsp;ended the three rounds of play in a tie for 58th. Streck shot rounds of 75, 80, and 81 for a total of 236 shots.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tanner-copeland/7691">Tanner Copeland</a>&nbsp;tied for 62nd&nbsp;place with a 239.Missouri Southern took home the team title by one stroke over MIAA conference opponent Central Oklahoma. Missouri Southern shot an 881 over the three rounds, finishing with their best round as a team with a 290. Central Oklahoma shot 290 as a team in the second round and 288 in the third round, but started the tournament with a 304 in round one. Rogers State took third place at the tournament.Robbie Sager of Central Missouri won the individual title after an extremely impressive opening round. Sager managed to shoot 5-under through the first 18 holes of the competition. Sager finished the tournament with a 2-over in round two and an even par in the final round to win the title by one stroke with a 213.The Tigers will play again next Monday-Tuesday (Sept. 18-19) in the NSU Men's Golf Classic at the Muskogee Country Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ Tigers finish 11th in fall season opener

DODGE CITY - The Hays High girls' tennis team was in Dodge City Tuesday. The Indians had a couple of top-10 finishers.

The doubles team of&nbsp;Kaelin Maier and Alyse Zimmerman went 3-1 and placed fifth. The doubles team of&nbsp;Kinlee May and Jaiden Pfannenstiel went 1-3 and placed 8th.

Maycie Holdeman went 2-2 and placed 11th while&nbsp;Georgia Edmonds went 1-3 and placed 12th.

Hays PostDODGE CITY - The Hays High girls' tennis team was in Dodge City Tuesday. The Indians had a couple of top-10 finishers.The doubles team of&nbsp;Kaelin Maier and Alyse Zimmerman went 3-1 and placed fifth. The doubles team of&nbsp;Kinlee May and Jaiden Pfannenstiel went 1-3 and placed 8th.Maycie Holdeman went 2-2 and placed 11th while&nbsp;Georgia Edmonds went 1-3 and placed 12th.

🎾 HHS has two top-10 finishes in Dodge City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/isabel-robben/7297">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;was named the MIAA Women's Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday (Sept. 12) for her efforts in a pair of Tiger shutouts this past week.

Robben picked up her second and third shutouts of the season in goal as FHSU remained unbeaten on the season with a 2-0 win over Sioux Falls and a 0-0 draw with then No. 15 ranked Augustana. She recorded three saves against both Sioux Falls and Augustana. She has yielded only one goal in four matches this season and has three straight shutouts going back to last week.

Robben joined Adell Gore of Northwest Missouri State (Offensive) and Morgan Martucci of Rogers State (Defensive) as the weekly Athlete of the Week honorees from the conference office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694548473439.jpeg" alt="FHSU-WSOC-Robben-GOW" />
 <figcaption>FHSU-WSOC-Robben-GOW</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/isabel-robben/7297">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;was named the MIAA Women's Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday (Sept. 12) for her efforts in a pair of Tiger shutouts this past week.Robben picked up her second and third shutouts of the season in goal as FHSU remained unbeaten on the season with a 2-0 win over Sioux Falls and a 0-0 draw with then No. 15 ranked Augustana. She recorded three saves against both Sioux Falls and Augustana. She has yielded only one goal in four matches this season and has three straight shutouts going back to last week.Robben joined Adell Gore of Northwest Missouri State (Offensive) and Morgan Martucci of Rogers State (Defensive) as the weekly Athlete of the Week honorees from the conference office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU's Robben MIAA Goalkeeper of the Week

Fort Hays State hosts No. 3 Pittsburg State in their home opener on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

Fort Hays State hosts No. 3 Pittsburg State in their home opener on Thursday, September 7, 2023.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind: FHSU FB vs. #3 Pittsburg State (Sept. 7, 2023)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=syvx4-14a3947-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind - FB vs. #3 Pittsburg State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs signed Chris Jones to a new one-year contract Monday, which should end the All-Pro defensive tackle's holdout and could mean he will be back on the field when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars for Week 2.

The Chiefs did not disclose terms, but a source told The Associated Press no years were added to his four-year, $80 million deal, which was due to expire. The person, speaking to AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal, said it instead includes incentives to substantially increase what Jones will make this season.

“Chris is an elite player in this league, and over the last seven years, he’s really developed into a leader on our team,” Chiefs general manager Manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “He’s been instrumental to our success and Super Bowl championship runs and it was a priority for us to keep him in a Chiefs uniform."

Veach praised Jones' representation, Jason and Michael Katz, for their work on the deal. The agents accompanied Jones to Kansas City last week and sat alongside him in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Chiefs' season-opening loss to Detroit.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said hours before the deal was announced there had been recent communication between the sides.

“Two things were obvious,” Veach said, "Chris wanted to be a Chiefs and the Katz brothers worked diligently on his behalf.”

Jones gave up a $500,000 workout bonus, was fined $50,000 each day for missing a mandatory minicamp and all of training camp, and forfeited nearly $1.1 million in his first game check for holding out through Week 1. It's unclear whether the provisions in his new deal will allow Jones to recoup the millions he already lost.

The statement from the Chiefs did not discuss what could happen next season. The club could still work out a long-term deal with Jones, use the franchise tag — and perhaps trade him — or allow him to leave in free agency.

Jones is coming off perhaps the best year of his seven-year career. He had 15 1/2 sacks to match a career best, and easily lead the Kansas City defense, along with picking up the first postseason sacks of his career. He also batted down four passes, forced a pair of fumbles, recovered one and helped the Chiefs to their second Super Bowl title in the past four years.

Along with earning his first spot on the All-Pro first team and getting voted to his fourth straight Pro Bowl, the 29-year-old Jones finished third behind the 49ers' Nick Bosa and the Cowboys' Micah Parsons for AP Defensive Player of the Year.

The deal for Jones came about a week after he returned to Kansas City from his home in Miami, where he had been working out all offseason.

While he had not reported to the Chiefs at that point, Jones did spend about 90 minutes with sick children and their families on a visit to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

In his only public statement, Jones said: "Hopefully it gets worked out. It's always been my goal to be a Kansas City Chief for life. I’ve said that multiple time on social media platforms, from interviews, and they know where my position is at.”

There had been rumors Jones wanted a deal that exceeded several recent contracts given to defensive tackles, but that would be less than that of the Rams' Aaron Donald, who set the market with a three-year, $96 million contract. That would mean a deal in the ballpark of the four-year, $90 million deals of the Giants' Dexter Lawrence and the Commanders’ Daron Payne, the four-year, $95 million contract for the Titans’ Jeffrey Simmons and the four-year, $96 million deal for the Jets' Quinnen Williams.

“I’ve been keeping in contact with my teammates. I’ve been working out every day, doing similar things to what they’re doing in training camp,” Jones said. “I’ll be ready when the time comes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694479103236.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones comes onto the field during introductions before playing the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL AFC Championship playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones comes onto the field during introductions before playing the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL AFC Championship playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs signed Chris Jones to a new one-year contract Monday, which should end the All-Pro defensive tackle's holdout and could mean he will be back on the field when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars for Week 2.The Chiefs did not disclose terms, but a source told The Associated Press no years were added to his four-year, $80 million deal, which was due to expire. The person, speaking to AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal, said it instead includes incentives to substantially increase what Jones will make this season.“Chris is an elite player in this league, and over the last seven years, he’s really developed into a leader on our team,” Chiefs general manager Manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “He’s been instrumental to our success and Super Bowl championship runs and it was a priority for us to keep him in a Chiefs uniform."Veach praised Jones' representation, Jason and Michael Katz, for their work on the deal. The agents accompanied Jones to Kansas City last week and sat alongside him in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Chiefs' season-opening loss to Detroit.Chiefs coach Andy Reid said hours before the deal was announced there had been recent communication between the sides.“Two things were obvious,” Veach said, "Chris wanted to be a Chiefs and the Katz brothers worked diligently on his behalf.”Jones gave up a $500,000 workout bonus, was fined $50,000 each day for missing a mandatory minicamp and all of training camp, and forfeited nearly $1.1 million in his first game check for holding out through Week 1. It's unclear whether the provisions in his new deal will allow Jones to recoup the millions he already lost.The statement from the Chiefs did not discuss what could happen next season. The club could still work out a long-term deal with Jones, use the franchise tag — and perhaps trade him — or allow him to leave in free agency.Jones is coming off perhaps the best year of his seven-year career. He had 15 1/2 sacks to match a career best, and easily lead the Kansas City defense, along with picking up the first postseason sacks of his career. He also batted down four passes, forced a pair of fumbles, recovered one and helped the Chiefs to their second Super Bowl title in the past four years.Along with earning his first spot on the All-Pro first team and getting voted to his fourth straight Pro Bowl, the 29-year-old Jones finished third behind the 49ers' Nick Bosa and the Cowboys' Micah Parsons for AP Defensive Player of the Year.The deal for Jones came about a week after he returned to Kansas City from his home in Miami, where he had been working out all offseason.While he had not reported to the Chiefs at that point, Jones did spend about 90 minutes with sick children and their families on a visit to Ronald McDonald House Charities.In his only public statement, Jones said: "Hopefully it gets worked out. It's always been my goal to be a Kansas City Chief for life. I’ve said that multiple time on social media platforms, from interviews, and they know where my position is at.”There had been rumors Jones wanted a deal that exceeded several recent contracts given to defensive tackles, but that would be less than that of the Rams' Aaron Donald, who set the market with a three-year, $96 million contract. That would mean a deal in the ballpark of the four-year, $90 million deals of the Giants' Dexter Lawrence and the Commanders’ Daron Payne, the four-year, $95 million contract for the Titans’ Jeffrey Simmons and the four-year, $96 million deal for the Jets' Quinnen Williams.“I’ve been keeping in contact with my teammates. I’ve been working out every day, doing similar things to what they’re doing in training camp,” Jones said. “I’ll be ready when the time comes.”

🏈 Chiefs sign All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to new 1-year deal to end his holdout

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, tight end Cale Cormaney and defensive lineman Jason Wallace talked with the media Monday ahead of Saturday's game with Northwest Missouri State.

Hays PostFort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, tight end Cale Cormaney and defensive lineman Jason Wallace talked with the media Monday ahead of Saturday's game with Northwest Missouri State.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a0Qx1P9T91w?si=8_uBHuw3Inixqt42" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S6wzEQyuyoQ?si=S7kLV3MB-gmNHKMo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ukwUXZGqGY?si=3vIdieBisENF7bW6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹 FHSU weekly press conference

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emily-ellis/7495">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;was named the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week on Monday (Sept. 11) for her efforts this past week, helping the Tigers to a 5-0 mark at home to push their record to 6-3 overall.&nbsp;

Ellis averaged 1.57 blocks per set at the Tiger Classic with a total of 22 over 14 sets. In a 3-1 win over Minnesota State, she had had a double-double in blocks and kills with 10 each. She was just one assisted block shy of her own school record for assisted blocks in a four-set match with nine. She had a weekend-high 12 kills in a 3-1 win over New Mexico Highlands. Ellis was just one point shy of the team lead for the weekend with 46 total points. Even as a middle blocker, she still averaged 1.14 digs per set for the weekend.

Add in her 12 kills and nine blocks in a five-set win over Kansas Wesleyan back on Wednesday, Ellis helped FHSU to five straight wins at home with a 1.63 blocks per set average for the entire week with a total of 31 in 19 sets. Offensively, Ellis averaged 2.32 kills per set for the week with a total of 44.

Ellis joined Kersti Nix of Central Missouri (Offensive) and Nessa Johnson of Missouri Western (Setter) as the weekly Athlete of the Week honorees from the MIAA office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694466635279.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emily-ellis/7495">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;was named the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week on Monday (Sept. 11) for her efforts this past week, helping the Tigers to a 5-0 mark at home to push their record to 6-3 overall.&nbsp;Ellis averaged 1.57 blocks per set at the Tiger Classic with a total of 22 over 14 sets. In a 3-1 win over Minnesota State, she had had a double-double in blocks and kills with 10 each. She was just one assisted block shy of her own school record for assisted blocks in a four-set match with nine. She had a weekend-high 12 kills in a 3-1 win over New Mexico Highlands. Ellis was just one point shy of the team lead for the weekend with 46 total points. Even as a middle blocker, she still averaged 1.14 digs per set for the weekend.Add in her 12 kills and nine blocks in a five-set win over Kansas Wesleyan back on Wednesday, Ellis helped FHSU to five straight wins at home with a 1.63 blocks per set average for the entire week with a total of 31 in 19 sets. Offensively, Ellis averaged 2.32 kills per set for the week with a total of 44.Ellis joined Kersti Nix of Central Missouri (Offensive) and Nessa Johnson of Missouri Western (Setter) as the weekly Athlete of the Week honorees from the MIAA office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 FHSU's Ellis earns MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week honor

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Volleyball had four players named to the 2023 Tiger Classic All-Tournament Team, which took place this past weekend (Sept. 8-9) in Hays. Earning the honors were&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/riley-tinder/7504">Riley Tinder</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emily-ellis/7495">Emily Ellis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7500">Gracie Rains</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7503">Caiya Stucky</a>. Tinder was named the MVP of the tournament. The team was selected by coaches of the five teams competing in the tournament.

Tinder averaged 2.4 kills per set with a total of 36 for the weekend. She also played solid defense, averaging 3.53 digs per set. Tinder had a weekend-high 15 kills against New Mexico Highlands in a 3-1 win and had a double-double of 11 kills and 19 digs against Southern Nazarene in a 3-0 win. She finished the weekend with 18 digs against Cameron to help FHSU cap an undefeated weekend.\

Rains averaged 3.14 kills per set to lead FHSU to an undefeated record at its home tournament, the Tiger Classic. She had 44 kills and took a team-high 109 attempts, producing a .211 hitting percentage for the week. She had a weekend-high 13 kills against both New Mexico Highlands and Southern Nazarene, averaging 4.3 kills per set in each of those matches. She led the team in points with 47 for the weekend.

Stucky averaged 10.73 assists, 2.47 digs, and 0.87 blocks per set for the tournament. Her best single-game average for the weekend in assists came in the 3-0 win over Southern Nazarene as she handed out 12.7 per set. Her weekend high for total assists was 45 against New Mexico Highlands in a 3-1 win, while adding 5 blocks in the match. Against Cameron, she added 14 digs with 41 assists for her second double-double performance of the season in those categories. Stucky also scattered in seven kills and three service aces for the weekend.

Below is the 2023 Tiger Classic All-Tournament Team. Fort Hays State -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/riley-tinder/7504">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;– MVP Fort Hays State-&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7500">Gracie Rains</a> Fort Hays State-&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emily-ellis/7495">Emily Ellis</a> Fort Hays State -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7503">Caiya Stucky</a> Minnesota State - Sophie Teitz Minnesota State - Toryn Richards Minnesota State - Emma Loveall Southern Nazarene - Sunny Batschelett Southern Nazarene - Kaley Brubaker Southern Nazarene - Tessa Henry Cameron - Caitlyn Henderson Cameron - Meagan Jimenez&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694466526032.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Volleyball had four players named to the 2023 Tiger Classic All-Tournament Team, which took place this past weekend (Sept. 8-9) in Hays. Earning the honors were&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/riley-tinder/7504">Riley Tinder</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emily-ellis/7495">Emily Ellis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7500">Gracie Rains</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7503">Caiya Stucky</a>. Tinder was named the MVP of the tournament. The team was selected by coaches of the five teams competing in the tournament.Tinder averaged 2.4 kills per set with a total of 36 for the weekend. She also played solid defense, averaging 3.53 digs per set. Tinder had a weekend-high 15 kills against New Mexico Highlands in a 3-1 win and had a double-double of 11 kills and 19 digs against Southern Nazarene in a 3-0 win. She finished the weekend with 18 digs against Cameron to help FHSU cap an undefeated weekend.\Ellis averaged 1.57 blocks per set at the Tiger Classic with a total of 22 over 14 sets. In a 3-1 win over Minnesota State, she had had a double-double in blocks and kills with 10 each. She was just one assisted block shy of her own school record for assisted blocks in a four-set match with nine. She had a weekend-high 12 kills in a 3-1 win over New Mexico Highlands. Ellis was just one point shy of the team lead for the weekend with 46 total points. Even as a middle blocker, she still averaged 1.14 digs per set for the weekend.Rains averaged 3.14 kills per set to lead FHSU to an undefeated record at its home tournament, the Tiger Classic. She had 44 kills and took a team-high 109 attempts, producing a .211 hitting percentage for the week. She had a weekend-high 13 kills against both New Mexico Highlands and Southern Nazarene, averaging 4.3 kills per set in each of those matches. She led the team in points with 47 for the weekend.Stucky averaged 10.73 assists, 2.47 digs, and 0.87 blocks per set for the tournament. Her best single-game average for the weekend in assists came in the 3-0 win over Southern Nazarene as she handed out 12.7 per set. Her weekend high for total assists was 45 against New Mexico Highlands in a 3-1 win, while adding 5 blocks in the match. Against Cameron, she added 14 digs with 41 assists for her second double-double performance of the season in those categories. Stucky also scattered in seven kills and three service aces for the weekend.Below is the 2023 Tiger Classic All-Tournament Team. Fort Hays State -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/riley-tinder/7504">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;– MVP Fort Hays State-&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-rains/7500">Gracie Rains</a> Fort Hays State-&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emily-ellis/7495">Emily Ellis</a> Fort Hays State -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/caiya-stucky/7503">Caiya Stucky</a> Minnesota State - Sophie Teitz Minnesota State - Toryn Richards Minnesota State - Emma Loveall Southern Nazarene - Sunny Batschelett Southern Nazarene - Kaley Brubaker Southern Nazarene - Tessa Henry Cameron - Caitlyn Henderson Cameron - Meagan Jimenez&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Four Tigers named to Tiger Classic all-tournament team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are trending toward having their two All-Pros on Sunday in Jacksonville.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that tight end Travis Kelce, who hyperextended his knee in practice last week, has been progressing in his recovery. Just hours later, the club also announced that defensive tackle Chris Jones had agreed to a new one-year deal that should end his holdout and put him in line to play against the Jaguars.

“Chris is an elite player in this league, and over the last seven years, he’s really developed into a leader on our team,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “He’s been instrumental to our success and Super Bowl championship runs and it was a priority for us to keep him in a Chiefs uniform."

Kelce hurt his knee in the Chiefs' final practice before Thursday night's loss to Detroit. Tests showed there was no ligament damage, only a bone bruise and some swelling, and Kelce tried to get loose enough to play in the season opener. Chiefs coach Andy Reid and trainer Rick Burkholder ultimately made him inactive after a workout earlier in the day.

“Travis is getting better,” Reid said. “We’ll see how he does the rest of today or tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”

The Chiefs could certainly use their star tight end after their offense fizzled in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-nfl-opener-2023-47ffe470713ec61bac6ed0570003658a">the 21-20 loss to the Lions</a>.

Without his security blanket, reigning NFL league MVP Patrick Mahomes was just 21 of 39 for 226 yards with two touchdown passes and an interception. The pick bounced off the hands of Kadarius Toney, who had several of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-nfl-e6110044c0256cb73dcd3dd54ec1068c">eight drops by Kansas City receivers</a>, and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mahomes-dropped-passes-chiefs-lions-c8ae8f426ed6bf1bc861241ec5edcce9">returned by 50 yards for a touchdown</a>&nbsp;by Lions rookie Brian Branch.

Meanwhile, backup tight ends Noah Gray and Blake Bell combined to catch five passes for 43 yards.

“We'll get the receiving things taken care of. I feel good about the receivers we have,” Reid said on a zoom Monday with local reporters. “We are not normally guys that drop the ball but we did and we have to fix it. But I think there is talent that will just keep improving as they continue to play. I have seen them do it before. I think we'll get that worked out.”

The Chiefs have had some extra time after playing Thursday night. The Jaguars won 31-21 on Sunday in Indianapolis.

“We've all got to do better. That's the thing I took out of this,” Reid said, “whether it's coaching, it's playing, the O-line, the D-line — we can all take something out of this game and get better at it. There were spurts of good and there were spurts of not-so good, and we were in position to win the game. Normally we do that and we did not.”

Watching it all transpire was Jones, who had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-jones-kelce-889bf33c05c0e1aa74c2476034569780">taken his contract holdout into the regular season</a>&nbsp;and wound up watching the opener alongside his agents, Jason and Michael Katz, from a suite inside Arrowhead Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694387136550.png" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. Kelce is inactive due to an injury. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. Kelce is inactive due to an injury. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are trending toward having their two All-Pros on Sunday in Jacksonville.Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that tight end Travis Kelce, who hyperextended his knee in practice last week, has been progressing in his recovery. Just hours later, the club also announced that defensive tackle Chris Jones had agreed to a new one-year deal that should end his holdout and put him in line to play against the Jaguars.“Chris is an elite player in this league, and over the last seven years, he’s really developed into a leader on our team,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. “He’s been instrumental to our success and Super Bowl championship runs and it was a priority for us to keep him in a Chiefs uniform."Kelce hurt his knee in the Chiefs' final practice before Thursday night's loss to Detroit. Tests showed there was no ligament damage, only a bone bruise and some swelling, and Kelce tried to get loose enough to play in the season opener. Chiefs coach Andy Reid and trainer Rick Burkholder ultimately made him inactive after a workout earlier in the day.“Travis is getting better,” Reid said. “We’ll see how he does the rest of today or tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”The Chiefs could certainly use their star tight end after their offense fizzled in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-nfl-opener-2023-47ffe470713ec61bac6ed0570003658a">the 21-20 loss to the Lions</a>.Without his security blanket, reigning NFL league MVP Patrick Mahomes was just 21 of 39 for 226 yards with two touchdown passes and an interception. The pick bounced off the hands of Kadarius Toney, who had several of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-nfl-e6110044c0256cb73dcd3dd54ec1068c">eight drops by Kansas City receivers</a>, and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mahomes-dropped-passes-chiefs-lions-c8ae8f426ed6bf1bc861241ec5edcce9">returned by 50 yards for a touchdown</a>&nbsp;by Lions rookie Brian Branch.Meanwhile, backup tight ends Noah Gray and Blake Bell combined to catch five passes for 43 yards.“We'll get the receiving things taken care of. I feel good about the receivers we have,” Reid said on a zoom Monday with local reporters. “We are not normally guys that drop the ball but we did and we have to fix it. But I think there is talent that will just keep improving as they continue to play. I have seen them do it before. I think we'll get that worked out.”The Chiefs have had some extra time after playing Thursday night. The Jaguars won 31-21 on Sunday in Indianapolis.“We've all got to do better. That's the thing I took out of this,” Reid said, “whether it's coaching, it's playing, the O-line, the D-line — we can all take something out of this game and get better at it. There were spurts of good and there were spurts of not-so good, and we were in position to win the game. Normally we do that and we did not.”Watching it all transpire was Jones, who had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-kansas-city-jones-kelce-889bf33c05c0e1aa74c2476034569780">taken his contract holdout into the regular season</a>&nbsp;and wound up watching the opener alongside his agents, Jason and Michael Katz, from a suite inside Arrowhead Stadium.The Chiefs did not disclose the terms of his new deal, but a source told The Associated Press no years were added to his four-year, $80 million deal due to expire. The person, speaking to AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal, said it instead includes incentives to substantially increase what Jones will make this season.Jones forfeited a $500,000 workout bonus, accumulated $50,000 in fines for each day missed of mandatory minicamp and training camp, and lost about $1.1 million in his first game check for sitting out the game against Detroit.