CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas' Jalen Wilson noticed the excitement on the other side.

The top-seeded Jayhawks went from leading by 13 in the second half to trailing Providence by a point with their season in danger of slipping away.

But the only No. 1 seed left in the NCAA Tournament responded to that brief challenge, stood firm and closed out a 66-61 victory on Friday night to reach the Elite Eight.

“I saw how excited they were getting, they started talking a little bit,” Wilson said. “I'm still confident in my team. We would never get rattled. We've seen every type of game, every type of situation. I'm just always confident in whatever comes our way.”

Remy Martin scored a season-high 23 points, and Kansas held Providence to 17 points in the first half.

The Jayhawks (31-6) made it farther than fellow No. 1 seeds Gonzaga and Arizona, both ousted in the Sweet 16, and Baylor, whose title defense ended in the second round. They will face either Miami or Iowa State in the Midwest Region final on Sunday.

Wilson added 16 points and 11 rebounds as the Jayhawks advanced to a regional final for the first time since 2018, when they reached their 15th Final Four. Coach Bill Self is seeking his fourth trip there since he arrived in 2003.

Kansas also moved ahead of Kentucky for most wins in Division I history with 2,354.

“I don't know that I totally buy in 100 percent that we don't ever get rattled,” Self said. “But I do think, as Jalen said, our league (the Big 12) has prepared us in the way you play so many close games. Every game is a fistfight. I think our guys have enough confidence that when things don't go well as a team, they think that they can go make an individual play.”

After fourth-seeded Providence (27-6) took its one-point lead, Kansas responded with a 7-0 run

Big 12 Player of the Year Ochai Agbaji scored a season-low five points. But with Martin and Wilson leading the way, the Jayhawks won their eighth straight.

“All the practices, everything that we've done leading up to this point, we revert back to that,” Martin said. “We work really hard in practice, we do what needs to be done, we listen to Coach.”

“Stay calm, let each other know that they're gonna go through their runs, but as long as we stick together, as we've been doing all season, we're gonna get through this,” Martin said.

Providence finished with its highest win total since the 1973-74 team went 28-4. It was the Friars’ deepest NCAA Tournament run since reaching the regional finals in 1997 under Pete Gillen.

Al Durham scored 21 points. But the Friars shot 33.8% and made 4 of 23 3-pointers.

“I thought our team all year played with a resolve and a resilience that was second to none in America,” coach Ed Cooley said. “These kids — men — battled through a lot of adversity. ... I'm not gonna let our men's heads be down. This was one hell of a season, and we got beat by a great team.”

Durham, who transferred after four years at Indiana, called the Friars “a special group.”

“We were well connected, we all loved each other,” he said.

Kansas led 26-17 at halftime and 36-23 early in the second half before Providence went on a 9-2 run, capped by Ed Croswell’s three-point play.

That drew a loud roar from the Friars’ fans, and they had more to cheer after Noah Horchler nailed two 3-pointers in about a 50-second span to cut it to 41-40 midway through the half.

Reeves tied it at 44-all when he hit two free throws, and Horchler gave Providence its first lead at 48-47 when he scored on a layup with 5:49 remaining.

Wilson drove for a three-point play to put the Jayhawks back on top. Christian Braun drove for a layup, and David McCormack put back a wild miss by Wilson following a steal, making it 54-48 with 4:12 to play.

Agbaji had the Kansas contingent roaring when he threw down an alley-oop dunk to make it 57-50. A.J. Reeves answered with a 3 for Providence, but Kansas remained on top the rest of the way.

Providence: The Friars made a huge jump after finishing 13-13 a year ago. They won their first Big East regular-season championship and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.

Kansas: The Jayhawks delivered another solid defensive effort, particularly early on, and made enough shots to keep their championship hopes alive. They led by nine at the break after allowing their lowest point total in a half this season.

Kansas will try to remain unbeaten since a 74-64 loss at TCU on March 1.

CHICAGO (AP) — Kansas' Jalen Wilson noticed the excitement on the other side.The top-seeded Jayhawks went from leading by 13 in the second half to trailing Providence by a point with their season in danger of slipping away.But the only No. 1 seed left in the NCAA Tournament responded to that brief challenge, stood firm and closed out a 66-61 victory on Friday night to reach the Elite Eight.“I saw how excited they were getting, they started talking a little bit,” Wilson said. “I'm still confident in my team. We would never get rattled. We've seen every type of game, every type of situation. I'm just always confident in whatever comes our way.”Remy Martin scored a season-high 23 points, and Kansas held Providence to 17 points in the first half.The Jayhawks (31-6) made it farther than fellow No. 1 seeds Gonzaga and Arizona, both ousted in the Sweet 16, and Baylor, whose title defense ended in the second round. They will face either Miami or Iowa State in the Midwest Region final on Sunday.Wilson added 16 points and 11 rebounds as the Jayhawks advanced to a regional final for the first time since 2018, when they reached their 15th Final Four. Coach Bill Self is seeking his fourth trip there since he arrived in 2003.Kansas also moved ahead of Kentucky for most wins in Division I history with 2,354.“I don't know that I totally buy in 100 percent that we don't ever get rattled,” Self said. “But I do think, as Jalen said, our league (the Big 12) has prepared us in the way you play so many close games. Every game is a fistfight. I think our guys have enough confidence that when things don't go well as a team, they think that they can go make an individual play.”After fourth-seeded Providence (27-6) took its one-point lead, Kansas responded with a 7-0 runBig 12 Player of the Year Ochai Agbaji scored a season-low five points. But with Martin and Wilson leading the way, the Jayhawks won their eighth straight.“All the practices, everything that we've done leading up to this point, we revert back to that,” Martin said. “We work really hard in practice, we do what needs to be done, we listen to Coach.”And in situations like this?“Stay calm, let each other know that they're gonna go through their runs, but as long as we stick together, as we've been doing all season, we're gonna get through this,” Martin said.Providence finished with its highest win total since the 1973-74 team went 28-4. It was the Friars’ deepest NCAA Tournament run since reaching the regional finals in 1997 under Pete Gillen.Al Durham scored 21 points. But the Friars shot 33.8% and made 4 of 23 3-pointers.“I thought our team all year played with a resolve and a resilience that was second to none in America,” coach Ed Cooley said. “These kids — men — battled through a lot of adversity. ... I'm not gonna let our men's heads be down. This was one hell of a season, and we got beat by a great team.”Durham, who transferred after four years at Indiana, called the Friars “a special group.”“We were well connected, we all loved each other,” he said.FRIARS RALLYKansas led 26-17 at halftime and 36-23 early in the second half before Providence went on a 9-2 run, capped by Ed Croswell’s three-point play.That drew a loud roar from the Friars’ fans, and they had more to cheer after Noah Horchler nailed two 3-pointers in about a 50-second span to cut it to 41-40 midway through the half.Reeves tied it at 44-all when he hit two free throws, and Horchler gave Providence its first lead at 48-47 when he scored on a layup with 5:49 remaining.JAYHAWKS REGROUPWilson drove for a three-point play to put the Jayhawks back on top. Christian Braun drove for a layup, and David McCormack put back a wild miss by Wilson following a steal, making it 54-48 with 4:12 to play.Agbaji had the Kansas contingent roaring when he threw down an alley-oop dunk to make it 57-50. A.J. Reeves answered with a 3 for Providence, but Kansas remained on top the rest of the way.BIG PICTUREProvidence: The Friars made a huge jump after finishing 13-13 a year ago. They won their first Big East regular-season championship and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.Kansas: The Jayhawks delivered another solid defensive effort, particularly early on, and made enough shots to keep their championship hopes alive. They led by nine at the break after allowing their lowest point total in a half this season.UP NEXTKansas will try to remain unbeaten since a 74-64 loss at TCU on March 1.

🏀 Jayhawks defeat Friars to advance to Elite Eight

PITTSBURG, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the weekend opener against Pittsburg State Friday evening (March 25), 14-1. Fort Hays State opened the scoring in the top of the first when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6620">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;led off with a double to right center.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;followed by working a walk before the pair moved up 90 feet on a wild pitch.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6328">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;came through with a sacrifice fly two batters later, giving the Tigers a 1-0 advantage early in the contest. Pittsburg State responded with three runs in the home half of the inning before stretching the lead to 4-1 in the second. The Gorillas added a single run in the fourth before pushing across seven runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth. Scott picked up the only other hit for the Tigers, a single in the fourth inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6305">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;(0-2) took the loss after allowing eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits and two walks over four-plus innings of work.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6527">Jacob Ensz</a>&nbsp;allowed four runs on three hits and one walk before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6326">Jason Robertson</a>&nbsp;gave up two runs (one earned) over 2.0 innings of relief. The Tigers and Gorillas will resume their series Saturday (March 26) beginning at 2 p.m. at Al Ortolani Field in Pittsburg, Kan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PITTSBURG, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the weekend opener against Pittsburg State Friday evening (March 25), 14-1. Fort Hays State opened the scoring in the top of the first when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6620">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;led off with a double to right center.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;followed by working a walk before the pair moved up 90 feet on a wild pitch.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6328">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;came through with a sacrifice fly two batters later, giving the Tigers a 1-0 advantage early in the contest. Pittsburg State responded with three runs in the home half of the inning before stretching the lead to 4-1 in the second. The Gorillas added a single run in the fourth before pushing across seven runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth. Scott picked up the only other hit for the Tigers, a single in the fourth inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6305">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;(0-2) took the loss after allowing eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits and two walks over four-plus innings of work.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6527">Jacob Ensz</a>&nbsp;allowed four runs on three hits and one walk before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6326">Jason Robertson</a>&nbsp;gave up two runs (one earned) over 2.0 innings of relief. The Tigers and Gorillas will resume their series Saturday (March 26) beginning at 2 p.m. at Al Ortolani Field in Pittsburg, Kan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers drop series opener at Pitt State

By DEWEY TERRILL <a href="https://jcpost.com">JC Post</a>

MANHATTAN — Jerome Tang was introduced as the 25th men's head basketball coach at Kansas State University on Thursday. 

During
 a press conference at Bramlage Coliseum he made it clear this is not a 
rebuilding job at Kansas State, saying this is just the start of some 
big things that will happen. "With everyone's help, with all of the 
K-State family. Wildcat nation, we're going to accomplish great things 
together and it's not going to take long. It is not going to take long. I
 didn't come to rebuild, alright, came to elevate." Tang said the 
Wildcats will play smart and aggressive.&nbsp;

Tang remembered KSU 
Athletic Director Gene Taylor's comments. "He looked me in the eyes and 
he said, look Jerome I want you to be my head coach of our basketball 
program and I trust you that you're going to do the right thing and help
 us win. I feel it in all my heart." During the press conference Tang 
thanked Taylor for those comments.

Tang spent the past 19 years at
 Baylor on both the winning and losing sides in ballgames. "What I 
really remember is the ( K-State ) student body. I remember how it was 
to come watch them running in and I remember them tearing up the paper, 
throwing it up in the air and going man, that's so cool." Tang added the
 environment at the games are things you remember.

&nbsp; Tang, 55,&nbsp; 
has agreed to a 6-year contract, which was approved by the K-State 
Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors and President&nbsp;Richard Linton.&nbsp;Tang&nbsp;will
 be paid $2.1 million in 2022-23 and will receive a $100,000 base salary
 increase each year remaining on the contract ($2.2 million in 2023-24, 
$2.3 million in 2024-25, $2.4 million in 2025-26, $2.5 million in 
2026-27 and $2.6 million in 2027-28).&nbsp;&nbsp;

During his time at Baylor,
 Tang has helped the Bears post a 397-222 (.641) overall record, 
including a 168-155 (.520) mark in Big 12 play, to go with 13 postseason
 appearances (10 NCAA Tournaments, 3 NITs), one NCAA title (2021), one 
NIT title (2013) and one NIT runner-up finish (2009).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648165200967.jpeg" alt="KSU Athletic Director Gene Taylor and K-State Men's Head Basketball Coach Jerome Tang" />
 <figcaption>KSU Athletic Director Gene Taylor and K-State Men's Head Basketball Coach Jerome Tang</figcaption>
 </figure>By DEWEY TERRILL <a href="https://jcpost.com">JC Post</a>MANHATTAN — Jerome Tang was introduced as the 25th men's head basketball coach at Kansas State University on Thursday. During
 a press conference at Bramlage Coliseum he made it clear this is not a 
rebuilding job at Kansas State, saying this is just the start of some 
big things that will happen. "With everyone's help, with all of the 
K-State family. Wildcat nation, we're going to accomplish great things 
together and it's not going to take long. It is not going to take long. I
 didn't come to rebuild, alright, came to elevate." Tang said the 
Wildcats will play smart and aggressive.&nbsp;Tang remembered KSU 
Athletic Director Gene Taylor's comments. "He looked me in the eyes and 
he said, look Jerome I want you to be my head coach of our basketball 
program and I trust you that you're going to do the right thing and help
 us win. I feel it in all my heart." During the press conference Tang 
thanked Taylor for those comments.Tang spent the past 19 years at
 Baylor on both the winning and losing sides in ballgames. "What I 
really remember is the ( K-State ) student body. I remember how it was 
to come watch them running in and I remember them tearing up the paper, 
throwing it up in the air and going man, that's so cool." Tang added the
 environment at the games are things you remember.&nbsp; Tang, 55,&nbsp; 
has agreed to a 6-year contract, which was approved by the K-State 
Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors and President&nbsp;Richard Linton.&nbsp;Tang&nbsp;will
 be paid $2.1 million in 2022-23 and will receive a $100,000 base salary
 increase each year remaining on the contract ($2.2 million in 2023-24, 
$2.3 million in 2024-25, $2.4 million in 2025-26, $2.5 million in 
2026-27 and $2.6 million in 2027-28).&nbsp;&nbsp;During his time at Baylor,
 Tang has helped the Bears post a 397-222 (.641) overall record, 
including a 168-155 (.520) mark in Big 12 play, to go with 13 postseason
 appearances (10 NCAA Tournaments, 3 NITs), one NCAA title (2021), one 
NIT title (2013) and one NIT runner-up finish (2009).&nbsp;

Tang takes the reins of Kansas State men's basketball

By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

When Emily Ryan was in second grade in Claflin, the
elementary school put together a talent show. Emily chose to showcase basketball
ball handling as her talent in front of the school. 
 
“I could just kick myself because we didn’t take video of it,” joked Lisa Ryan,
Emily’s mother. “At the time, I didn’t think a lot about it, but now looking
back…yeah.” 
 
A second-grade talent show performance might have been a good sign for what was
to come. Emily is now using those ball handling skills as a sophomore with the
Iowa State University’s basketball team. Ryan and the Cyclones will compete in the
NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Friday night against Creighton University in Greensboro,
North Carolina. 
 
Through 34 games this year, Emily is averaging 13 points per game, 7 assists and 4
rebounds. Her 243 assists so far has broken the Iowa State school record for
assists in a season. 
 
That success comes from what her mom refers to as a “good addiction.” 
 
“She is addicted to being in the gym and working out,” said Lisa Ryan. “Just
going on family vacations where she couldn’t be in the gym for a couple of
days would drive her nuts.” 
 
In Ames, Iowa, Emily will show up to the gym at 6:30 a.m. each day and usually
returns to the gym in the evenings in addition to going to practice. Her
freshman year on campus, was the COVID-19 year, and access to the gym was a
little more difficult but that did not slow down Ryan. 
 
“Josh Carper is the Director of Basketball Operations at Iowa State and Emily
would always contact him last year to let her in the gym,” said Lisa Ryan. “He jokes
that he got so sick of Emily because he would always have to let her in the
gym.” 
 
Those work habits were similar to her playing days at Central Plains where she
helped the Oilers go 106-0 with three state championships and a “Final
Four” appearance in 2020 after the tournament was cancelled because of the
pandemic. 
 
The success she has had in her first two years in college would probably
translate to any university, but it wasn’t always sure that it would be taking place
at Iowa State. Ryan had her mind made up on another university in the Midwest
until she was convinced to take a visit to Ames. 
 
“She was set on this other university,” said Lisa Ryan. “Her AAU coach, Keith
Ferguson, said to take at least two official visits so you have something to
compare. She didn’t want to. He asked what her second choice was and she said
probably Iowa State. She did and she changed her mind.” 
 
Emily was named to the 2022 All-Big 12 First Team while helping the 
Cyclones to a 28-6 record. The Sweet 16 matchup against Creighton will 
be a game, like many
others, the Ryan family will be attending in person. The Ryans left 
Wednesday
afternoon to make the 18-hour road trip to North Carolina. 
 
“We’ve gone somewhere to watch Emily almost every weekend this basketball
season,” said Lisa Ryan. “We didn’t travel sub-state basketball weekend or the
St. John Tournament weekend with our son in high school, but we have the route
to Ames, Iowa pretty much memorized.” 
 
For the rest of the Barton County area and Ryan supporters across the state, Iowa
State tips off against Creighton at 8:30 p.m. Friday and can be watched on ESPN
2. 
 
“The support in the entire state has been amazing over the past two years,”
said Lisa Ryan. “We’ll be somewhere else in the state and someone will come up
to us and say something about Emily and how they follow her. We don’t even know
who they are…it’s amazing.” 
 
From demonstrating ball handling skills in a second-grade talent show to
competing in the NCAA Sweet 16, there will be plenty of supporters in Kansas cheering
Friday for Iowa State and the girl with a “good addiction” from Claflin. 
 
“As a parent, I hope she’ll keep enjoying it and it doesn’t become a big stress
or anxiety type of thing,” said Lisa Ryan. “It hasn’t and I keep hoping it
stays that way. She loves basketball.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648214805668.jpeg" alt="The Ryan family posed for a photo following an NCAA Tournament game in 2022." />
 <figcaption>The Ryan family posed for a photo following an NCAA Tournament game in 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>When Emily Ryan was in second grade in Claflin, the
elementary school put together a talent show. Emily chose to showcase basketball
ball handling as her talent in front of the school. 
 
“I could just kick myself because we didn’t take video of it,” joked Lisa Ryan,
Emily’s mother. “At the time, I didn’t think a lot about it, but now looking
back…yeah.” 
 
A second-grade talent show performance might have been a good sign for what was
to come. Emily is now using those ball handling skills as a sophomore with the
Iowa State University’s basketball team. Ryan and the Cyclones will compete in the
NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Friday night against Creighton University in Greensboro,
North Carolina. 
 
Through 34 games this year, Emily is averaging 13 points per game, 7 assists and 4
rebounds. Her 243 assists so far has broken the Iowa State school record for
assists in a season. 
 
That success comes from what her mom refers to as a “good addiction.” 
 
“She is addicted to being in the gym and working out,” said Lisa Ryan. “Just
going on family vacations where she couldn’t be in the gym for a couple of
days would drive her nuts.” 
 
In Ames, Iowa, Emily will show up to the gym at 6:30 a.m. each day and usually
returns to the gym in the evenings in addition to going to practice. Her
freshman year on campus, was the COVID-19 year, and access to the gym was a
little more difficult but that did not slow down Ryan. 
 
“Josh Carper is the Director of Basketball Operations at Iowa State and Emily
would always contact him last year to let her in the gym,” said Lisa Ryan. “He jokes
that he got so sick of Emily because he would always have to let her in the
gym.” 
 
Those work habits were similar to her playing days at Central Plains where she
helped the Oilers go 106-0 with three state championships and a “Final
Four” appearance in 2020 after the tournament was cancelled because of the
pandemic. 
 
The success she has had in her first two years in college would probably
translate to any university, but it wasn’t always sure that it would be taking place
at Iowa State. Ryan had her mind made up on another university in the Midwest
until she was convinced to take a visit to Ames. 
 
“She was set on this other university,” said Lisa Ryan. “Her AAU coach, Keith
Ferguson, said to take at least two official visits so you have something to
compare. She didn’t want to. He asked what her second choice was and she said
probably Iowa State. She did and she changed her mind.” 
 
Emily was named to the 2022 All-Big 12 First Team while helping the 
Cyclones to a 28-6 record. The Sweet 16 matchup against Creighton will 
be a game, like many
others, the Ryan family will be attending in person. The Ryans left 
Wednesday
afternoon to make the 18-hour road trip to North Carolina. 
 
“We’ve gone somewhere to watch Emily almost every weekend this basketball
season,” said Lisa Ryan. “We didn’t travel sub-state basketball weekend or the
St. John Tournament weekend with our son in high school, but we have the route
to Ames, Iowa pretty much memorized.” 
 
For the rest of the Barton County area and Ryan supporters across the state, Iowa
State tips off against Creighton at 8:30 p.m. Friday and can be watched on ESPN
2. 
 
“The support in the entire state has been amazing over the past two years,”
said Lisa Ryan. “We’ll be somewhere else in the state and someone will come up
to us and say something about Emily and how they follow her. We don’t even know
who they are…it’s amazing.” 
 
From demonstrating ball handling skills in a second-grade talent show to
competing in the NCAA Sweet 16, there will be plenty of supporters in Kansas cheering
Friday for Iowa State and the girl with a “good addiction” from Claflin. 
 
“As a parent, I hope she’ll keep enjoying it and it doesn’t become a big stress
or anxiety type of thing,” said Lisa Ryan. “It hasn’t and I keep hoping it
stays that way. She loves basketball.”

'Good addiction' fuels Kan. support for Claflin native at Iowa State

AUSTIN, Texas - Six student-athletes representing the Fort Hays State track and field team competed at the prestigious 94th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays presented by Truist Thursday. Two school records went down on the first day of the outdoor season, including one that stood for 53 years, in addition to the Tigers posting three NCAA DII provisional marks. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6511">Robbie Schmidt</a>&nbsp;capped off the day by breaking a 53-year-old record in the 5,000m run. The senior shaved nearly 40 seconds off his PR, completing the race in 14:05.87. That time was good for ninth place, better than seven Division I runners. He improved the school record by close to 15 seconds, a mark that has been held by Tiger Sports Hall of Famer Larbi Oukada since 1969 (14:20.44). To date it is the fastest time in Division II this season and is a DII provisional performance. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;opened the afternoon by finishing ninth in the pole vault, in front of seven DI competitors. The defending indoor and outdoor DII national champion battled the wind all afternoon, clearing the 16-0.75 bar on his first attempt to post a DII provisional mark. Next up was four Tigers running in the 400m hurdles, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6549">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;breaking her own school record with a time of 1:00.32. The provisional mark, currently the top reported time across all Division II this season, was good for second place and was better than 25 DI athletes. Teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6551">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;moved to third on the FHSU DII era performance chart with a time of 1:03.58, finishing 18th in front of 14 DI competitors. On the men's side, both&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6484">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6507">Jack Pakkebier</a>&nbsp;ran personal-bests and moved into the top 10 at FHSU during the DII era. Churchman completed the race in 54.47, placing 15th out of 42 competitors to move to fifth on the Tiger performance chart, while Pakkebier ran in 55.33 to finish 24th to move to eighth on the list. Churchman finished in front of 20 Division I athletes, with Pakkebier besting 16 DI competitors. Rossi, Savolt, Churchman and Pakkebier will wrap up competition at the Texas Relays with the 100m and 110m hurdles on Friday (March 24), while the rest of the Tiger squad opens the outdoor season at the ESU Relays in Emporia, Kan. Friday and Saturday (March 24-25). Full FHSU Results Women 400m Hurdles 2nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6549">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 1:00.32 ! # 18th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6551">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;- 1:03.58 Men 400m Hurdles 15th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6484">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;- 54.47 24th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6507">Jack Pakkebier</a>&nbsp;- 55.33 5,000m Run 9th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6511">Robbie Schmidt</a>&nbsp;- 14:05.87 ! # Pole Vault 9th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 16-0.75 # ! indicates school record # indicates NCAA DII provisional mark&nbsp;&nbsp;

AUSTIN, Texas - Six student-athletes representing the Fort Hays State track and field team competed at the prestigious 94th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays presented by Truist Thursday. Two school records went down on the first day of the outdoor season, including one that stood for 53 years, in addition to the Tigers posting three NCAA DII provisional marks. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6511">Robbie Schmidt</a>&nbsp;capped off the day by breaking a 53-year-old record in the 5,000m run. The senior shaved nearly 40 seconds off his PR, completing the race in 14:05.87. That time was good for ninth place, better than seven Division I runners. He improved the school record by close to 15 seconds, a mark that has been held by Tiger Sports Hall of Famer Larbi Oukada since 1969 (14:20.44). To date it is the fastest time in Division II this season and is a DII provisional performance. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;opened the afternoon by finishing ninth in the pole vault, in front of seven DI competitors. The defending indoor and outdoor DII national champion battled the wind all afternoon, clearing the 16-0.75 bar on his first attempt to post a DII provisional mark. Next up was four Tigers running in the 400m hurdles, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6549">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;breaking her own school record with a time of 1:00.32. The provisional mark, currently the top reported time across all Division II this season, was good for second place and was better than 25 DI athletes. Teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6551">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;moved to third on the FHSU DII era performance chart with a time of 1:03.58, finishing 18th in front of 14 DI competitors. On the men's side, both&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6484">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6507">Jack Pakkebier</a>&nbsp;ran personal-bests and moved into the top 10 at FHSU during the DII era. Churchman completed the race in 54.47, placing 15th out of 42 competitors to move to fifth on the Tiger performance chart, while Pakkebier ran in 55.33 to finish 24th to move to eighth on the list. Churchman finished in front of 20 Division I athletes, with Pakkebier besting 16 DI competitors. Rossi, Savolt, Churchman and Pakkebier will wrap up competition at the Texas Relays with the 100m and 110m hurdles on Friday (March 24), while the rest of the Tiger squad opens the outdoor season at the ESU Relays in Emporia, Kan. Friday and Saturday (March 24-25). Full FHSU Results Women 400m Hurdles 2nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6549">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 1:00.32 ! # 18th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6551">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;- 1:03.58 Men 400m Hurdles 15th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6484">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;- 54.47 24th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6507">Jack Pakkebier</a>&nbsp;- 55.33 5,000m Run 9th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6511">Robbie Schmidt</a>&nbsp;- 14:05.87 ! # Pole Vault 9th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 16-0.75 # ! indicates school record # indicates NCAA DII provisional mark&nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 FHSU's Schmidt, Rossi break records at Texas Relays

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>

LINDSBORG, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 6-3 overall on the season with a 7-0 win over Bethany College on Thursday. It was Fort Hays State's second-straight shutout to open the spring, and second shutout of Bethany this season. Fort Hays State won all nine matches contested on Thursday. The Tigers picked up the first team point by winning all three doubles matches. The No. 3 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6117">Heidi Lubbers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6118">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;won by a score of 6-1. The No. 1 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6675">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6357">Maria Paz Diaz</a>, and No. 2 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6114">Aliyah Frederick</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6113">Kylie Aufdengarten</a>&nbsp;each won by scores of 6-3. Both Diaz at the No. 2 position and Aufdengarten at the No. 6 position shut out their opponents in singles play, winning 6-0, 6-0. Alfonso at the No. 1 position and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6676">Nicole Heyn</a>&nbsp;at the No. 3 position each yielded just one point to their opponents, winning 6-0, 6-1. Frederick won by scores of 6-2, 6-1 at the No. 5 position and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6115">Fiorella Mendez</a>&nbsp;won by scores of 6-3, 6-2 at the No. 4 position. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6119">Gracen Friess</a>&nbsp;played an exhibition singles match and won 8-1, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6118">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;also played an exhibition match and won 8-0. The Tigers return to action on Saturday (Mar. 26) at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo., then continue their MIAA road trip at Washburn on Sunday (Mar. 27).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648166570651.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Aliyah Frederick along with partner Kylie Aufdengarten picked up a win in No. 2 doubles Thursday at Bethany College (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Tylee Biera)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Aliyah Frederick along with partner Kylie Aufdengarten picked up a win in No. 2 doubles Thursday at Bethany College (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Tylee Biera)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>LINDSBORG, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 6-3 overall on the season with a 7-0 win over Bethany College on Thursday. It was Fort Hays State's second-straight shutout to open the spring, and second shutout of Bethany this season. Fort Hays State won all nine matches contested on Thursday. The Tigers picked up the first team point by winning all three doubles matches. The No. 3 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6117">Heidi Lubbers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6118">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;won by a score of 6-1. The No. 1 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6675">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6357">Maria Paz Diaz</a>, and No. 2 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6114">Aliyah Frederick</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6113">Kylie Aufdengarten</a>&nbsp;each won by scores of 6-3. Both Diaz at the No. 2 position and Aufdengarten at the No. 6 position shut out their opponents in singles play, winning 6-0, 6-0. Alfonso at the No. 1 position and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6676">Nicole Heyn</a>&nbsp;at the No. 3 position each yielded just one point to their opponents, winning 6-0, 6-1. Frederick won by scores of 6-2, 6-1 at the No. 5 position and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6115">Fiorella Mendez</a>&nbsp;won by scores of 6-3, 6-2 at the No. 4 position. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6119">Gracen Friess</a>&nbsp;played an exhibition singles match and won 8-1, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6118">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;also played an exhibition match and won 8-0. The Tigers return to action on Saturday (Mar. 26) at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo., then continue their MIAA road trip at Washburn on Sunday (Mar. 27).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Tigers post second-straight shutout, defeats Bethany

HAYS - The Hays High girls' soccer team began defense of their Western Athletic Conference title from a year ago be blanking Great Bend 6-0 Thursday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.

The Indians scored three goals in each half on their way to a win in thier season opener.

Hays will play in the McPherson Tournament next week.

HAYS - The Hays High girls' soccer team began defense of their Western Athletic Conference title from a year ago be blanking Great Bend 6-0 Thursday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.The Indians scored three goals in each half on their way to a win in thier season opener.Hays will play in the McPherson Tournament next week.

⚽ HHS girls' win season opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a $30 million, three-year contract to help replace the departed Tyreek Hill, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.

The move came one day after the Chiefs traded Hill, a three-time All-Pro and one of the league's most dangerous downfield threats, to the Dolphins for a package of five draft picks. It also comes less than a week after the Chiefs landed JuJu Smith-Schuster with a club-friendly, one-year deal in the hope that he'll bounce back from a shoulder injury.

Valdes-Scantling was a fifth-round pick of the Packers in the 2018 draft, quickly becoming a useful option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. He caught 123 passes for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns during his first four seasons in the league, appearing in all 16 games the first three before a hamstring injury hampered him last season. He wound up playing 11 games and catching 26 passes for 430 yards and three touchdowns.

Earlier in the day, the Chiefs announced the signing of wide receiver Corey Coleman, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2016 draft, in the hope that he can showcase the dynamic playmaking ability that once made him a star at Baylor.

Coleman spent two seasons with the Browns, catching 56 passes for 718 yards and five touchdowns, before he was traded to the Bills for a future seventh-round pick. Buffalo quickly released Coleman, then he spent time with the Patriots before he ended up with the Giants, where he appeared in eight games and caught five passes for 71 yards in 2018.

That was the last time he played in a game, though. The 27-year-old Coleman tore his ACL during the following preseason, then spent parts of the 2020 season on the Giants practice squad before spending last season out of football.

He's another low-risk, high-reward chance taken by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach on a former first-round pick.

The Chiefs announced several other contracts on Thursday.

Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi is returning after starting 52 of 64 games played since the Chiefs selected him in the third round of the 2018 draft. He's primarily a run-stuffer but is coming off a career-best three sacks last season.

The Chiefs also announced the return of quarterback Chad Henne to back up Patrick Mahomes, the signing of Austin Reiter to back up center Creed Humphrey, and left tackle Geron Christian, who made eight starts for Houston last season.

Blake Bell is also returning on a one-year deal. He helped the Chiefs win the Super Bowl during the 2019 season, then spent a year in Dallas before returning to Kansas City, where he served mostly as a blocking tight end last season.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We have signed WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Let&#39;s get to work! 😤 <a href="https://t.co/ySdyCoaG60">pic.twitter.com/ySdyCoaG60</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1507124661024346122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a $30 million, three-year contract to help replace the departed Tyreek Hill, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press on Thursday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.The move came one day after the Chiefs traded Hill, a three-time All-Pro and one of the league's most dangerous downfield threats, to the Dolphins for a package of five draft picks. It also comes less than a week after the Chiefs landed JuJu Smith-Schuster with a club-friendly, one-year deal in the hope that he'll bounce back from a shoulder injury.Valdes-Scantling was a fifth-round pick of the Packers in the 2018 draft, quickly becoming a useful option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. He caught 123 passes for 2,153 yards and 13 touchdowns during his first four seasons in the league, appearing in all 16 games the first three before a hamstring injury hampered him last season. He wound up playing 11 games and catching 26 passes for 430 yards and three touchdowns.Earlier in the day, the Chiefs announced the signing of wide receiver Corey Coleman, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2016 draft, in the hope that he can showcase the dynamic playmaking ability that once made him a star at Baylor.Coleman spent two seasons with the Browns, catching 56 passes for 718 yards and five touchdowns, before he was traded to the Bills for a future seventh-round pick. Buffalo quickly released Coleman, then he spent time with the Patriots before he ended up with the Giants, where he appeared in eight games and caught five passes for 71 yards in 2018.That was the last time he played in a game, though. The 27-year-old Coleman tore his ACL during the following preseason, then spent parts of the 2020 season on the Giants practice squad before spending last season out of football.He's another low-risk, high-reward chance taken by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach on a former first-round pick.The Chiefs announced several other contracts on Thursday.Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi is returning after starting 52 of 64 games played since the Chiefs selected him in the third round of the 2018 draft. He's primarily a run-stuffer but is coming off a career-best three sacks last season.The Chiefs also announced the return of quarterback Chad Henne to back up Patrick Mahomes, the signing of Austin Reiter to back up center Creed Humphrey, and left tackle Geron Christian, who made eight starts for Houston last season.Blake Bell is also returning on a one-year deal. He helped the Chiefs win the Super Bowl during the 2019 season, then spent a year in Dallas before returning to Kansas City, where he served mostly as a blocking tight end last season.

🏈 Chiefs agree with Valdes-Scantling on 3-year deal

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University announced Tyson John as its new head women's soccer coach. John becomes the third coach in the program's history, coming to Fort Hays State from University of South Carolina Upstate, where he served as the head women's soccer coach for six years. He has 13 total years of collegiate head coaching experience at both the NCAA and NAIA levels, holding an overall coaching record of 121-86-16. John coached at USC Upstate in NCAA Division I for six years from 2016 to 2021 where he led the team to 25 wins and a pair of seasons that set new program records for wins. The USC Upstate women's program had never won more than four matches in a season prior to John's arrival. In 2017 he guided the Spartans to six wins in just his second season at the helm, then in 2018 broke through with 11 wins to set a new program record for a season. The 11-9 mark in 2018 still stands as the program's best season as the Spartans reached the semifinals of the Big South Conference Tournament. He coached four all-conference and two all-conference tournament selections in 2018. Prior to his time at USC Upstate, John was the head women's soccer coach at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee from 2011 to 2015. He guided the program to an impressive 74-22-4 record in his five seasons, producing at least 14 wins all five years. The program finished in the Top 15 of the NAIA national rankings all five years with No. 7 being its highest final ranking in John's final season of 2015. Martin Methodist qualified for the NAIA National Tournament all five seasons with a pair of national quarterfinal appearances in 2014 and 2015 as the deepest runs under John. Martin Methodist had 17 All-America selections under John's leadership, along with three conference player of the year and three conference freshman of the year selections. He also coached one conference defensive player of the year as well and led the team to two conference regular season championships and one conference tournament title. He was twice named the TranSouth Conference Coach of the Year. John got his start as a head women's coach in collegiate soccer at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, where he spent two seasons from 2009 to 2010. He led the team to an overall mark of 22-6-3, winning at least 10 matches in each of his two seasons. His 2010 team finished second in the TranSouth Conference regular season standings and was the conference tournament runner-up. John spent time in roles as a Club Director, Academy Director, and Camp Director from 2008 to 2016 alongside his head coaching duties. He worked with clubs in the states of Florida, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Prior to his coaching career John was a standout performer at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina, where he was a three-time NSCAA All-America selection and a four-time all-conference team selection. He also received Southern Wesleyan University's Male Athlete of the Year award, while setting school career, season, and single-game records in goals scored and points. He received a bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Southern Wesleyan University in 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648147475889.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University announced Tyson John as its new head women's soccer coach. John becomes the third coach in the program's history, coming to Fort Hays State from University of South Carolina Upstate, where he served as the head women's soccer coach for six years. He has 13 total years of collegiate head coaching experience at both the NCAA and NAIA levels, holding an overall coaching record of 121-86-16. John coached at USC Upstate in NCAA Division I for six years from 2016 to 2021 where he led the team to 25 wins and a pair of seasons that set new program records for wins. The USC Upstate women's program had never won more than four matches in a season prior to John's arrival. In 2017 he guided the Spartans to six wins in just his second season at the helm, then in 2018 broke through with 11 wins to set a new program record for a season. The 11-9 mark in 2018 still stands as the program's best season as the Spartans reached the semifinals of the Big South Conference Tournament. He coached four all-conference and two all-conference tournament selections in 2018. Prior to his time at USC Upstate, John was the head women's soccer coach at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee from 2011 to 2015. He guided the program to an impressive 74-22-4 record in his five seasons, producing at least 14 wins all five years. The program finished in the Top 15 of the NAIA national rankings all five years with No. 7 being its highest final ranking in John's final season of 2015. Martin Methodist qualified for the NAIA National Tournament all five seasons with a pair of national quarterfinal appearances in 2014 and 2015 as the deepest runs under John. Martin Methodist had 17 All-America selections under John's leadership, along with three conference player of the year and three conference freshman of the year selections. He also coached one conference defensive player of the year as well and led the team to two conference regular season championships and one conference tournament title. He was twice named the TranSouth Conference Coach of the Year. John got his start as a head women's coach in collegiate soccer at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, where he spent two seasons from 2009 to 2010. He led the team to an overall mark of 22-6-3, winning at least 10 matches in each of his two seasons. His 2010 team finished second in the TranSouth Conference regular season standings and was the conference tournament runner-up. John spent time in roles as a Club Director, Academy Director, and Camp Director from 2008 to 2016 alongside his head coaching duties. He worked with clubs in the states of Florida, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Prior to his coaching career John was a standout performer at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina, where he was a three-time NSCAA All-America selection and a four-time all-conference team selection. He also received Southern Wesleyan University's Male Athlete of the Year award, while setting school career, season, and single-game records in goals scored and points. He received a bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Southern Wesleyan University in 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tyson John named head women’s coach at FHSU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back four of their own free agents, announcing Thursday the signing of defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, center Austin Reiter, quarterback Chad Henne, and tight end Blake Bell for the upcoming season.

Nnadi has started 52 of the 64 games he's played since the Chiefs selected him in the third round of the 2018 draft. He's primarily a run-stuffer but is coming off a season in which he had a career-best three sacks.

Henne will continue to back up Patrick Mahomes, while Reiter has provided security behind Creed Humphrey.

Bell helped the Chiefs win the Super Bowl during the 2019 season, then spent a year in Dallas before returning to Kansas City last season. He appeared in 16 games and had nine catches for 87 yards while mostly serving as a blocking tight end.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back four of their own free agents, announcing Thursday the signing of defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, center Austin Reiter, quarterback Chad Henne, and tight end Blake Bell for the upcoming season.Nnadi has started 52 of the 64 games he's played since the Chiefs selected him in the third round of the 2018 draft. He's primarily a run-stuffer but is coming off a season in which he had a career-best three sacks.Henne will continue to back up Patrick Mahomes, while Reiter has provided security behind Creed Humphrey.Bell helped the Chiefs win the Super Bowl during the 2019 season, then spent a year in Dallas before returning to Kansas City last season. He appeared in 16 games and had nine catches for 87 yards while mostly serving as a blocking tight end.

🏈 Chiefs bring back Nnadi, 3 other free agents for next season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded wide receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami for a package of draft picks Wednesday, and the Dolphins gave the three-time All-Pro a $120 million, four-year contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player ever at his position, a person familiar with the moves told The Associated Press.

The Chiefs will get the Dolphins' first- and second-round picks and their fourth-rounder in this year's draft, and fourth- and sixth-round picks next year, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because terms were not announced.

Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said the extension from Miami includes $72.2 million guaranteed. The value of the deal surpasses the five-year contract that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/green-bay-packers-las-vegas-raiders-nfl-sports-derek-carr-acadefadd9b7d9bf6493ecc5af760fca">Davante Adams signed after he was traded from Green Bay to Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;last week, which averages $28.5 million and includes $67.5 million guaranteed.

The Chiefs had been in discussions with Hill on a contract extension in part because they were seeking relief from a tight salary cap situation. But talks had stalled over the past few days, and Hill's representatives requested permission to seek a trade, which came together quickly with multiple teams expressing interest in him.

The deal clears more than $18 million in salary cap space for Kansas City.

Hill appeared to indicate that his time with the Chiefs was over more than a week ago when the six-time Pro Bowl pick tweeted: “we came a long way thank you chiefs kingdom I'm forever indebted.”

It has been a wild NFL offseason when it comes to big names, even though the new league year is just 1 week old.

The Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos, Deshaun Watson ended up in Cleveland, the Falcons sent Matt Ryan to the Colts and Carson Wentz landed with the Commanders — and that's just quarterbacks. Adams landed with the Raiders while fellow wide receiver Amari Cooper went from Dallas to Cleveland, and top-tier pass rushers Khalil Mack (Chargers) and Yannick Ngakoue (Colts) also have landed with new teams.

Hill was a controversial pick by Kansas City in the fifth round of the 2015 draft because of off-the-field problems that led to his dismissal from Oklahoma State. But he's mostly steered clear of trouble since arriving with the Chiefs, giving Andy Reid an outlet for his offensive creativity and teaming with Patrick Mahomes to form one of the league's elite duos.

Hill helped the Chiefs win back-to-back AFC titles and their first Super Bowl in 50 years after the 2019 season. He also helped them get back to the conference championship game in January before losing to the Bengals, capping arguably the best year of his career: He had a club-record 111 catches for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns.

In just six seasons, Hill already has 479 catches for 6,630 yards and 56 touchdowns.

The trade for Hill is the second major move by the Dolphins this week as new coach Mike McDaniel attempts to build around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins also have agreed with Terron Armstead to an $87.5 million, five-year deal, landing a three-time Pro Bowl left tackle to anchor the offensive line.

The Chiefs have been trying to get younger the past few years, and the possibility that the 28-year-old Hill's speed could soon decline no doubt gave them pause. They also signed former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is 25, to a club-friendly one-year deal last week and are expected to add at least one wide receiver in the draft.

The trade with Miami means Kansas City could do that with two picks in each of the first three rounds.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded wide receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami for a package of draft picks Wednesday, and the Dolphins gave the three-time All-Pro a $120 million, four-year contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player ever at his position, a person familiar with the moves told The Associated Press.The Chiefs will get the Dolphins' first- and second-round picks and their fourth-rounder in this year's draft, and fourth- and sixth-round picks next year, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because terms were not announced.Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said the extension from Miami includes $72.2 million guaranteed. The value of the deal surpasses the five-year contract that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/green-bay-packers-las-vegas-raiders-nfl-sports-derek-carr-acadefadd9b7d9bf6493ecc5af760fca">Davante Adams signed after he was traded from Green Bay to Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;last week, which averages $28.5 million and includes $67.5 million guaranteed.The Chiefs had been in discussions with Hill on a contract extension in part because they were seeking relief from a tight salary cap situation. But talks had stalled over the past few days, and Hill's representatives requested permission to seek a trade, which came together quickly with multiple teams expressing interest in him.The deal clears more than $18 million in salary cap space for Kansas City.Hill appeared to indicate that his time with the Chiefs was over more than a week ago when the six-time Pro Bowl pick tweeted: “we came a long way thank you chiefs kingdom I'm forever indebted.”It has been a wild NFL offseason when it comes to big names, even though the new league year is just 1 week old.The Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos, Deshaun Watson ended up in Cleveland, the Falcons sent Matt Ryan to the Colts and Carson Wentz landed with the Commanders — and that's just quarterbacks. Adams landed with the Raiders while fellow wide receiver Amari Cooper went from Dallas to Cleveland, and top-tier pass rushers Khalil Mack (Chargers) and Yannick Ngakoue (Colts) also have landed with new teams.Hill was a controversial pick by Kansas City in the fifth round of the 2015 draft because of off-the-field problems that led to his dismissal from Oklahoma State. But he's mostly steered clear of trouble since arriving with the Chiefs, giving Andy Reid an outlet for his offensive creativity and teaming with Patrick Mahomes to form one of the league's elite duos.Hill helped the Chiefs win back-to-back AFC titles and their first Super Bowl in 50 years after the 2019 season. He also helped them get back to the conference championship game in January before losing to the Bengals, capping arguably the best year of his career: He had a club-record 111 catches for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns.In just six seasons, Hill already has 479 catches for 6,630 yards and 56 touchdowns.The trade for Hill is the second major move by the Dolphins this week as new coach Mike McDaniel attempts to build around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins also have agreed with Terron Armstead to an $87.5 million, five-year deal, landing a three-time Pro Bowl left tackle to anchor the offensive line.The Chiefs have been trying to get younger the past few years, and the possibility that the 28-year-old Hill's speed could soon decline no doubt gave them pause. They also signed former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is 25, to a club-friendly one-year deal last week and are expected to add at least one wide receiver in the draft.The trade with Miami means Kansas City could do that with two picks in each of the first three rounds.

🏈 Chiefs send Hill to Dolphins for draft picks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $3 million contract with shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and five other players for the upcoming season, avoiding arbitration before Tuesday's deadline for teams and players to submit numbers.

The Royals also agreed to terms with right-hander Brad Keller on a $4.825 million contract, reliever Scott Barlow on a $2.4 million deal, newly acquired pitcher Amir Garrett for $2.025 million, first baseman Ryan O'Hearn at $1.3 million and backup catcher Cam Gallagher for $885,000.

The Royals only have outfielder Andrew Benintendi and second baseman Nicky Lopez, both of whom are expected to be part of their opening day lineup, among their unsigned arbitration-eligible players.

The 26-year-old Mondesi has been dynamic when he's been healthy, leading the league with 24 stolen bases during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. But he has only played more than 100 games once in six seasons, and he hit just .230 with six homers and 15 steals while limited to 35 games by injuries last season.

Mondesi, who made $2.52 million last year and is eligible for free agency after the 2023 season, spent much of this past offseason working with new trainers in the Dominican Republic in an effort to stay healthy. The culprits last season were his obliques and hamstring, but he's also had quad and shoulder injuries over the years.

“I changed a lot of things, different trainer — just focused on the things I need to focus on and I feel good right now and see what’s going to happen,” Mondesi said during the first week of spring training in Surprise, Arizona.

“We started with my body,” he explained, “seeing what's going to work for me or not and go from there. They ask how I feel, what I feel and I just let him know, and we make a program and follow that.”

Mondesi also has played second base and third base during his career, and his move to third could become a permanent one if the Royals break camp with top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop. Witt also has played third base in the minors, but it is likely the Royals would try to keep him at his most comfortable position as he begins his big league career.

Together, Mondesi and Witt could give Kansas City one of the best left sides of the infield in the American League.

“Whatever they want me to do, I'm OK. I just want to play and I want to feel good and help the team win,” Mondesi said.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $3 million contract with shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and five other players for the upcoming season, avoiding arbitration before Tuesday's deadline for teams and players to submit numbers.The Royals also agreed to terms with right-hander Brad Keller on a $4.825 million contract, reliever Scott Barlow on a $2.4 million deal, newly acquired pitcher Amir Garrett for $2.025 million, first baseman Ryan O'Hearn at $1.3 million and backup catcher Cam Gallagher for $885,000.The Royals only have outfielder Andrew Benintendi and second baseman Nicky Lopez, both of whom are expected to be part of their opening day lineup, among their unsigned arbitration-eligible players.The 26-year-old Mondesi has been dynamic when he's been healthy, leading the league with 24 stolen bases during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. But he has only played more than 100 games once in six seasons, and he hit just .230 with six homers and 15 steals while limited to 35 games by injuries last season.Mondesi, who made $2.52 million last year and is eligible for free agency after the 2023 season, spent much of this past offseason working with new trainers in the Dominican Republic in an effort to stay healthy. The culprits last season were his obliques and hamstring, but he's also had quad and shoulder injuries over the years.“I changed a lot of things, different trainer — just focused on the things I need to focus on and I feel good right now and see what’s going to happen,” Mondesi said during the first week of spring training in Surprise, Arizona.“We started with my body,” he explained, “seeing what's going to work for me or not and go from there. They ask how I feel, what I feel and I just let him know, and we make a program and follow that.”Mondesi also has played second base and third base during his career, and his move to third could become a permanent one if the Royals break camp with top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop. Witt also has played third base in the minors, but it is likely the Royals would try to keep him at his most comfortable position as he begins his big league career.Together, Mondesi and Witt could give Kansas City one of the best left sides of the infield in the American League.“Whatever they want me to do, I'm OK. I just want to play and I want to feel good and help the team win,” Mondesi said.

⚾ Royals agree with Mondesi, 5 others to avoid arbitration

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

One of the most decorated football players and athletes in Hays High history made official his decision to continue his football career at Kansas State University.

The roller coaster ride started with offers from power five conference schools in search of bringing the linebacker to their campus. Then COVID hit and with it a hit to Meyers' opportunities. The NCAA granted players another season of eligibility. That opportunity for so many collegiate players limited the opportunities for players like Meyers. Offers that had been on the table were pulled off when established starters declared their intent to remain in school for another year. In the end however, Meyers decided on a school that he thought would be the best fit for the player that he is and the one he can become.&nbsp; Gavin Meyers

Among the many accolades that have Meyers name on it include the Sports in Kansas 5A Defensive Player of the Year, Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, along with numerous all-state team lists.

He leaves the program as the all-time leading tackler, a mark he achieved early in his senior season. The leaderboard now show Gavin Meyers at the top with 385 tackles, over 130 more than second place. He is second in all-time tackles for loss at 43, behind only his future Wildcat teammate Gaven Haselhorst.

His career numbers feature a program high seven forced fumbles. Meyers names ranks second and third for most tackles in a single game at 23 and 22. He recorded 124 tackles this past fall which is second most in a single season, the 121 tacles from his sophomore year ranks third.

Meyers most recently completed a undefeated (37-0) wrestling season that was capped with the 220 pound 5A title. He is a three time qualifier, missing only his sophomore season with a broken jaw. He also qualified for the 5A state track meet in javelin his freshman season when he placed 3rd. He qualified for the 300 meter hurdles his junior season. The sophomore track season was canceled due to COVID-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647973653000.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostOne of the most decorated football players and athletes in Hays High history made official his decision to continue his football career at Kansas State University. The roller coaster ride started with offers from power five conference schools in search of bringing the linebacker to their campus. Then COVID hit and with it a hit to Meyers' opportunities. The NCAA granted players another season of eligibility. That opportunity for so many collegiate players limited the opportunities for players like Meyers. Offers that had been on the table were pulled off when established starters declared their intent to remain in school for another year. In the end however, Meyers decided on a school that he thought would be the best fit for the player that he is and the one he can become.&nbsp; Gavin Meyers<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1236900433&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/gavin-meyers" title="Gavin Meyers" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Gavin Meyers</a></div></div> Among the many accolades that have Meyers name on it include the Sports in Kansas 5A Defensive Player of the Year, Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, along with numerous all-state team lists.He leaves the program as the all-time leading tackler, a mark he achieved early in his senior season. The leaderboard now show Gavin Meyers at the top with 385 tackles, over 130 more than second place. He is second in all-time tackles for loss at 43, behind only his future Wildcat teammate Gaven Haselhorst.His career numbers feature a program high seven forced fumbles. Meyers names ranks second and third for most tackles in a single game at 23 and 22. He recorded 124 tackles this past fall which is second most in a single season, the 121 tacles from his sophomore year ranks third.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1236900091&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/tony-crough-about-gavin-meyers" title="Tony Crough About Gavin Meyers" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Crough About Gavin Meyers</a></div></div>Meyers most recently completed a undefeated (37-0) wrestling season that was capped with the 220 pound 5A title. He is a three time qualifier, missing only his sophomore season with a broken jaw. He also qualified for the 5A state track meet in javelin his freshman season when he placed 3rd. He qualified for the 300 meter hurdles his junior season. The sophomore track season was canceled due to COVID-19.

🏈 Hays High's Gavin Meyers heads to KSU

🎥🥎⚾️Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's and women's basketball teams combined to place 17 individuals on the 2021-22 MIAA Academic Honor Roll, released Monday by the league office. Nine members of the women's team were honored, while the men placed eight Tigers on the academic list. In addition, the Tigers received six Scholar-Athlete Awards and a pair of MIAA Academic Excellence Awards. Both totals are the most in the conference. On the men's side, Fort Hays State had two of the three Scholar-Athlete Award winners across the entire conference in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>. Others on the academic honor roll include&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6459">Traejon Davis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6462">Bjarni Jonsson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6463">Jackson Miller</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6464">Elijah Nnanabu</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6466">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6469">Devin Walker</a>. From the women's squad,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6435">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;were two of eight athletes league-wide to earn both the Scholar-Athlete Award and the MIAA Academic Excellence Award.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;also received the Scholar-Athlete Award, giving the Tigers four recipients, tied for the most in the league.&nbsp;Others on the academic honor roll include&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6436">Sydney Golladay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6440">Emma Ruddle</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6441">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6442">Carly Thompson</a>. This is the third time Vitztum has earned the Scholar-Athlete Award, while Bergmann, Hollenbeck and Randall all picked up the honor for the second year in a row. It is the first-such honor for Wright and Wagner. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 4.00 or better at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. They must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors during the current season. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. Transfers and true freshman are recognized at the conclusion of the school year, after they meet the two terms of attendance requirement. 2021-22 MIAA Men's Basketball Academic Honor Roll <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6459">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;3.70 Communication (Public Relations &amp; Advertising) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6462">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;3.28 Computer Science <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6463">Jackson Miller</a>&nbsp;3.87 Agriculture (Agronomy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6464">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;3.53 HHP (Exercise Science) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6466">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;3.53 HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;3.90 Finance <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6469">Devin Walker</a>&nbsp;3.47 HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>3.70 HHP (Fitness Programming/Health Promotion) Bold&nbsp;indicates MIAA Academic Excellence Award * indicates MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;&nbsp;

2021-22 MIAA Women's Basketball Academic Honor Roll *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6435">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;4.00 Agriculture (Animal Science) &amp; Agriculture Business <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6436">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;3.43 Pre-Elementary Education <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;3.04 Health and Human Performance / Medical Diagnostic Imaging *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;3.79 Communication Sciences &amp; Disorders *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;4.00/4.00 HHP (K-12 Teaching/Coaching) / Health and Human Performance (Masters) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6440">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;3.91 Pre-Nursing&nbsp; <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6441">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;3.94 Pre-Elementary Education <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6442">Carly Thompson</a>&nbsp;3.66 Marketing *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;3.95 Accounting

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's and women's basketball teams combined to place 17 individuals on the 2021-22 MIAA Academic Honor Roll, released Monday by the league office. Nine members of the women's team were honored, while the men placed eight Tigers on the academic list. In addition, the Tigers received six Scholar-Athlete Awards and a pair of MIAA Academic Excellence Awards. Both totals are the most in the conference. On the men's side, Fort Hays State had two of the three Scholar-Athlete Award winners across the entire conference in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>. Others on the academic honor roll include&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6459">Traejon Davis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6462">Bjarni Jonsson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6463">Jackson Miller</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6464">Elijah Nnanabu</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6466">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6469">Devin Walker</a>. From the women's squad,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6435">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;were two of eight athletes league-wide to earn both the Scholar-Athlete Award and the MIAA Academic Excellence Award.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;also received the Scholar-Athlete Award, giving the Tigers four recipients, tied for the most in the league.&nbsp;Others on the academic honor roll include&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6436">Sydney Golladay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6440">Emma Ruddle</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6441">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6442">Carly Thompson</a>. This is the third time Vitztum has earned the Scholar-Athlete Award, while Bergmann, Hollenbeck and Randall all picked up the honor for the second year in a row. It is the first-such honor for Wright and Wagner. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 4.00 or better at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. They must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors during the current season. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. Transfers and true freshman are recognized at the conclusion of the school year, after they meet the two terms of attendance requirement. 2021-22 MIAA Men's Basketball Academic Honor Roll <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6459">Traejon Davis</a>&nbsp;3.70 Communication (Public Relations &amp; Advertising) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6462">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;3.28 Computer Science <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6463">Jackson Miller</a>&nbsp;3.87 Agriculture (Agronomy) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6464">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;3.53 HHP (Exercise Science) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6466">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;3.53 HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;3.90 Finance <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6469">Devin Walker</a>&nbsp;3.47 HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy) *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6470">Nyjee Wright</a>3.70 HHP (Fitness Programming/Health Promotion) Bold&nbsp;indicates MIAA Academic Excellence Award * indicates MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;&nbsp;2021-22 MIAA Women's Basketball Academic Honor Roll *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6435">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;4.00 Agriculture (Animal Science) &amp; Agriculture Business <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6436">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;3.43 Pre-Elementary Education <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6437">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;3.04 Health and Human Performance / Medical Diagnostic Imaging *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6438">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;3.79 Communication Sciences &amp; Disorders *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;4.00/4.00 HHP (K-12 Teaching/Coaching) / Health and Human Performance (Masters) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6440">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;3.91 Pre-Nursing&nbsp; <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6441">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;3.94 Pre-Elementary Education <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6442">Carly Thompson</a>&nbsp;3.66 Marketing *&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6443">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;3.95 Accounting

🏀 17 from Tiger basketball listed on MIAA Academic Honor Roll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State Men's Basketball is an NABC All-District Second Team selection for the second straight year, announced on Monday. The Hays senior averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in 2021-22 to earn recognition as a top-10 player in the extremely competitive NCAA Division II Central Region. Vitztum was also a repeat All-MIAA First Team selection and CoSIDA Academic All-America selection this season. In 2021-22, Vitztum produced 16 double-doubles in 29 games for the Tigers. He scored in double figures 25 times during the season and never had less than seven points in a game. Vitztum scored a season-high 25 points against Lincoln University. He reached double figures in rebounding 17 times, with a season high of 17 against Southwestern Oklahoma State. He helped the Tigers to an overall record of 23-6, which was the most wins by an FHSU team that did not get selected to the NCAA tournament in the program's Division II history that dates back to 1991-92. He also helped the Tigers appear in multiple NABC and D2SIDA Top 25 Polls throughout the season with No. 18 as the team's highest ranking of the season. Vitztum finished his career at FHSU with 1,580 points and 944 rebounds. He now ranks fifth all-time in scoring at FHSU and second in rebounds. Vitztum was one of four student-athletes from the MIAA recognized on the all-district team. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference also had four representatives, while the Great American Conference had two. Central First Team Austin Andrews, Minnesota Duluth Tray Buchanan, Emporia State Trevor Hudgins, Northwest Missouri State Tyler Riemersma, Augustana Isaiah Wade, Central Oklahoma Second Team Drew Blair, Minnesota Duluth Adam Dworsky, Southeastern Oklahoma State Burke Putnam, Oklahoma Baptist Joe Smoldt, Upper Iowa <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>, Fort Hays State Coach of the Year: Tom Billeter, Augustana&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647896739287.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State Men's Basketball is an NABC All-District Second Team selection for the second straight year, announced on Monday. The Hays senior averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in 2021-22 to earn recognition as a top-10 player in the extremely competitive NCAA Division II Central Region. Vitztum was also a repeat All-MIAA First Team selection and CoSIDA Academic All-America selection this season. In 2021-22, Vitztum produced 16 double-doubles in 29 games for the Tigers. He scored in double figures 25 times during the season and never had less than seven points in a game. Vitztum scored a season-high 25 points against Lincoln University. He reached double figures in rebounding 17 times, with a season high of 17 against Southwestern Oklahoma State. He helped the Tigers to an overall record of 23-6, which was the most wins by an FHSU team that did not get selected to the NCAA tournament in the program's Division II history that dates back to 1991-92. He also helped the Tigers appear in multiple NABC and D2SIDA Top 25 Polls throughout the season with No. 18 as the team's highest ranking of the season. Vitztum finished his career at FHSU with 1,580 points and 944 rebounds. He now ranks fifth all-time in scoring at FHSU and second in rebounds. Vitztum was one of four student-athletes from the MIAA recognized on the all-district team. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference also had four representatives, while the Great American Conference had two. Central First Team Austin Andrews, Minnesota Duluth Tray Buchanan, Emporia State Trevor Hudgins, Northwest Missouri State Tyler Riemersma, Augustana Isaiah Wade, Central Oklahoma Second Team Drew Blair, Minnesota Duluth Adam Dworsky, Southeastern Oklahoma State Burke Putnam, Oklahoma Baptist Joe Smoldt, Upper Iowa <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6468">Jared Vitztum</a>, Fort Hays State Coach of the Year: Tom Billeter, Augustana&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Vitztum named to NABC All-District team for second straight year

Monday was the first Tiger Talk with FHSU softball coach Adrian Pilkington and baseball coach Jerod Goodale.

Tiger Talk airs Monday's at 12:15 pm live from the Golden Q on KAYS (1400-AM/94.3-FM).

Monday was the first Tiger Talk with FHSU softball coach Adrian Pilkington and baseball coach Jerod Goodale.Tiger Talk airs Monday's at 12:15 pm live from the Golden Q on KAYS (1400-AM/94.3-FM).<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Mar 21, 2022)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=zbpdz-11da5ab-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Mar 21, 2022)

MANHTATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State hired Jerome Tang to be its next basketball coach Monday, entrusting a program that's had plenty of recent success but fallen on hard times to one of the architects of Baylor's rise to national prominence.

The Wildcats hired Tang to replace Bruce Weber two days after the top-seeded Bears were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by North Carolina in overtime. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor flew to Texas to meet with Tang on Sunday and the two sides finalized a six-year contract that will pay more than $14 million the next morning.

“I am beyond excited to be the next head basketball coach at Kansas State,” Tang said. “Having the opportunity to build on a program with a rich basketball history at a prestigious university is truly a blessing. We look forward to bringing an exciting style of basketball to K-State while helping our student-athletes succeed on the court and in life.”

Tang will be paid $2.1 million in his first season with a $100,000 increase in base salary each of the next five years, making his compensation $2.6 million for the 2027-28 season. His contract is expected to include several incentives, too.

“As we conducted a national search to find our next head coach, we wanted to identify an individual who can lead our program to consistently high levels while maintaining the integrity that our program is known for," Taylor said. "When we first met with Jerome, he was very impressive, and that continued throughout the duration of our search.”

Tang was part of Scott Drew's initial staff at Baylor in 2003, when the program was reeling from crippling NCAA penalties that included an inability to play a nonconference schedule. Together the two built a juggernaut in Waco, an unprecedented rise that culminated last season with Baylor beating Gonzaga 86-70 in the national title game.

The Bears also won their first Big 12 title last season — their first championship in any conference in 71 years — and shared the award with Kansas this season before an early exit in the league tournament.

“Coach Tang and I have been together for 19 years, and he’s had opportunities before,” Drew said over the weekend, “but obviously each year those opportunities grow, and deservedly so. He’s done a remarkable job.”

Tang, who previously spent 10 seasons at powerhouse Heritage Christian Academy in Texas, is also known for his recruiting ability. Among those Tang brought to Baylor were Ishmael Wainright, Al Freeman and Johnathan Motley as part of his 2013 class, and Kendall Brown, Langston Love and Jeremy Sochan in last year's No. 4-ranked recruiting class.

“He's a terrific coach,” Drew said, “and there's a big reason why we've been successful: Because we have a great staff. And he's a big part of it. So when he chooses to go, I know he will do a great job — and hopefully we won't have to play him."

It appears Drew won't get his wish in that respect.

Drew's coaching tree is quickly becoming one of the most impressive in basketball. Matt Driscoll is in his 13th season at North Florida and has been to the NCAA Tournament; Grant McCasland took North Texas to the tourney last year and was thought to be in the running for the Kansas State job; and Paul Mills took Oral Roberts to the Sweet 16 last season.

The Wildcats would welcome that kind of success the way the past few years have gone.

Weber resigned under pressure after three straight losing seasons, capped by a loss to West Virginia on the opening night of the Big 12 Tournament. All the goodwill earned over five NCAA Tournament trips and an Elite Eight was gone amid a 34-58 overall record and 13-41 mark in conference play the past three years.

Yet if nothing else, Weber underscored that it's possible to win in Manhattan, where there is no fertile recruiting base and the nearest major city — and major airport — is a 2-hour car trip down Interstate 70.

The Wildcats won a share of the Big 12 title in 2013 with a team that Weber largely inherited from Frank Martin, then they did again in 2019 with a team of his own construction. They also have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments since 2008, the year Martin ended a 12-year-long drought by taking Kansas State to the second round.

Martin also had the Wildcats in the Elite Eight in 2010 during four NCAA tourney trips in his five seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647893053756.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHTATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State hired Jerome Tang to be its next basketball coach Monday, entrusting a program that's had plenty of recent success but fallen on hard times to one of the architects of Baylor's rise to national prominence.The Wildcats hired Tang to replace Bruce Weber two days after the top-seeded Bears were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by North Carolina in overtime. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor flew to Texas to meet with Tang on Sunday and the two sides finalized a six-year contract that will pay more than $14 million the next morning.“I am beyond excited to be the next head basketball coach at Kansas State,” Tang said. “Having the opportunity to build on a program with a rich basketball history at a prestigious university is truly a blessing. We look forward to bringing an exciting style of basketball to K-State while helping our student-athletes succeed on the court and in life.”Tang will be paid $2.1 million in his first season with a $100,000 increase in base salary each of the next five years, making his compensation $2.6 million for the 2027-28 season. His contract is expected to include several incentives, too.“As we conducted a national search to find our next head coach, we wanted to identify an individual who can lead our program to consistently high levels while maintaining the integrity that our program is known for," Taylor said. "When we first met with Jerome, he was very impressive, and that continued throughout the duration of our search.”Tang was part of Scott Drew's initial staff at Baylor in 2003, when the program was reeling from crippling NCAA penalties that included an inability to play a nonconference schedule. Together the two built a juggernaut in Waco, an unprecedented rise that culminated last season with Baylor beating Gonzaga 86-70 in the national title game.The Bears also won their first Big 12 title last season — their first championship in any conference in 71 years — and shared the award with Kansas this season before an early exit in the league tournament.“Coach Tang and I have been together for 19 years, and he’s had opportunities before,” Drew said over the weekend, “but obviously each year those opportunities grow, and deservedly so. He’s done a remarkable job.”Tang, who previously spent 10 seasons at powerhouse Heritage Christian Academy in Texas, is also known for his recruiting ability. Among those Tang brought to Baylor were Ishmael Wainright, Al Freeman and Johnathan Motley as part of his 2013 class, and Kendall Brown, Langston Love and Jeremy Sochan in last year's No. 4-ranked recruiting class.“He's a terrific coach,” Drew said, “and there's a big reason why we've been successful: Because we have a great staff. And he's a big part of it. So when he chooses to go, I know he will do a great job — and hopefully we won't have to play him."It appears Drew won't get his wish in that respect.Drew's coaching tree is quickly becoming one of the most impressive in basketball. Matt Driscoll is in his 13th season at North Florida and has been to the NCAA Tournament; Grant McCasland took North Texas to the tourney last year and was thought to be in the running for the Kansas State job; and Paul Mills took Oral Roberts to the Sweet 16 last season.The Wildcats would welcome that kind of success the way the past few years have gone.Weber resigned under pressure after three straight losing seasons, capped by a loss to West Virginia on the opening night of the Big 12 Tournament. All the goodwill earned over five NCAA Tournament trips and an Elite Eight was gone amid a 34-58 overall record and 13-41 mark in conference play the past three years.Yet if nothing else, Weber underscored that it's possible to win in Manhattan, where there is no fertile recruiting base and the nearest major city — and major airport — is a 2-hour car trip down Interstate 70.The Wildcats won a share of the Big 12 title in 2013 with a team that Weber largely inherited from Frank Martin, then they did again in 2019 with a team of his own construction. They also have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments since 2008, the year Martin ended a 12-year-long drought by taking Kansas State to the second round.Martin also had the Wildcats in the Elite Eight in 2010 during four NCAA tourney trips in his five seasons.

🏀 K-State hires Baylor assistant Jerome Tang as hoops coach

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State tennis team has announced an alteration in its schedule for this week due to the weather forecast in the area. The Tigers were originally scheduled to face off with Tabor College and Bethany College in a pair of non-conference matches Tuesday (March 22) in Lindsborg, Kan. The match with Tabor has been canceled and will not be rescheduled, while the contest against Bethany has been postponed with a make-up date to be determined. The Tigers are next scheduled to hit the court Saturday (March 26) when they face off with Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. FHSU's next home action is slated for March 30 when the Tigers host Nebraska-Kearney beginning at 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State tennis team has announced an alteration in its schedule for this week due to the weather forecast in the area. The Tigers were originally scheduled to face off with Tabor College and Bethany College in a pair of non-conference matches Tuesday (March 22) in Lindsborg, Kan. The match with Tabor has been canceled and will not be rescheduled, while the contest against Bethany has been postponed with a make-up date to be determined. The Tigers are next scheduled to hit the court Saturday (March 26) when they face off with Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. FHSU's next home action is slated for March 30 when the Tigers host Nebraska-Kearney beginning at 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Tigers alter midweek schedule

NEW ORLEANS - Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;has been named the USTFCCCA Central Region Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, announced Friday by the coach's organization. The junior pole vaulter wrapped up the indoor season with his second national title after clearing the 17-9.25 bar on his first attempt. That mark was seven inches past his prior indoor school record of 17-2.25 set just two weeks earlier when he won his first MIAA championship. He is now the defending champion in both the indoor and outdoor national championships. Stanley finished first in six out of his nine competitions throughout the indoor season, including four clearances over 17 feet. He placed second due to total misses in his first event of the year after tying for the top height, with his only other losses coming against four Division I athletes. His clearance at the DII National Championships&nbsp;was the 17th best clearance across all divisions this season. It was the fifth-best mark all-time in Division II and the third-best at the DII Indoor Championships. Member coaches voted on these honors following the completion of the 2022 NCAA DII Indoor Track &amp; Field Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas, but considered performances from both that meet as well as during the regular season. Stanley is the first Tiger to earn the distinguished honor of regional athlete of the year since 2009 when Bryan Haynes was named South Central Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647879079334.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>NEW ORLEANS - Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;has been named the USTFCCCA Central Region Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, announced Friday by the coach's organization. The junior pole vaulter wrapped up the indoor season with his second national title after clearing the 17-9.25 bar on his first attempt. That mark was seven inches past his prior indoor school record of 17-2.25 set just two weeks earlier when he won his first MIAA championship. He is now the defending champion in both the indoor and outdoor national championships. Stanley finished first in six out of his nine competitions throughout the indoor season, including four clearances over 17 feet. He placed second due to total misses in his first event of the year after tying for the top height, with his only other losses coming against four Division I athletes. His clearance at the DII National Championships&nbsp;was the 17th best clearance across all divisions this season. It was the fifth-best mark all-time in Division II and the third-best at the DII Indoor Championships. Member coaches voted on these honors following the completion of the 2022 NCAA DII Indoor Track &amp; Field Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas, but considered performances from both that meet as well as during the regular season. Stanley is the first Tiger to earn the distinguished honor of regional athlete of the year since 2009 when Bryan Haynes was named South Central Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 FHSU's Stanley Central Region Field Athlete of the Year

HAYS, Kan. - Due to the precipitation in the forecast over the next 36 hours, the Fort Hays State baseball team has postponed its doubleheader scheduled for Tuesday (March 22) against Colorado Christian. A potential make-up date is to be determined. The Tigers will now return to the diamond Friday (March 25) when they open a conference series at Pittsburg State. FHSU will return to Larks Park next Tuesday (March 29) when the Tigers host Newman in an MIAA matchup beginning at 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - Due to the precipitation in the forecast over the next 36 hours, the Fort Hays State baseball team has postponed its doubleheader scheduled for Tuesday (March 22) against Colorado Christian. A potential make-up date is to be determined. The Tigers will now return to the diamond Friday (March 25) when they open a conference series at Pittsburg State. FHSU will return to Larks Park next Tuesday (March 29) when the Tigers host Newman in an MIAA matchup beginning at 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers midweek doubleheader with Colorado Christian postponed

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 13-15 overall with a pair of run-rule wins over Bethany College on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 20) at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers took the opener in five innings by a score of 10-1, then walked off in the sixth inning with an 8-0 victory in game two. Fort Hays State 10, Bethany 1 The Tigers scored in each of the first four innings to build a lead big enough for the run rule, and made it hold up after keeping the Swedes scoreless in the fifth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring for the Tigers in the first with a towering two-run home run to left field. In the second inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6350">Kiana Blake</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;each had RBI singles and Breckbill added two more to her RBI total with a single. Beggs came in to score on a wild pitch later in the inning, and then the Tigers scored their only run of the third on a wild pitch as well. Blake added the runs necessary to put the run rule in play in the fourth with a two-RBI single. Breckbill finished with four RBIs, while Blake had three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;battled some control issues in her start and went just 1.2 innings. She struck out four, but walked two and allowed two hits. Bethany's only run was her responsibility in the second.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6351">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;relieved to strike out six and allowed four hits and two walks in 3.1 innings of relief. She picked up the win moving to 4-3 on the season. Sasha Martello took the loss for Bethany, allowing the first seven runs (two earned) in two innings of work. Fort Hays State 8, Bethany 0 The Tigers almost kept their trend of scoring in each inning alive in game two, but finally went scoreless in the fourth when already leading 6-0. FHSU scored twice in the first, three times in the second, then put up single runs in the third, fifth, and sixth innings to put the run rule on once again. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly RBI and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6344">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;RBI double in the first made it 2-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;picked up an RBI on a fielder's choice in the second and an extra run scored on the play by error. Tiffany added another RBI on a single making it 5-0. In the third,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6346">Lindsey Kelly</a>&nbsp;lined a pitch over the centerfielder's head that went all the way to the wall. Kelly turned the jets on and wheeled all the way around for an inside-the-park home run, making it 6-0 after three innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6342">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;made it 7-0 in the fifth with an RBI single, then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;got into the RBI act in the sixth, ending the game on an RBI single to center field. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6345">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;threw a complete-game shutout in the circle, striking out six with three hits allowed and one walk. She is now 3-1 on the season. Bethany starter Ravin Moore took the loss in just two innings of work, allowing five runs (three earned). The Tigers return to MIAA play next weekend at Nebraska-Kearney (Mar. 26) for a doubleheader starting at 1 pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647815410769.jpeg" alt="Bailey Carlson threw a complete-game shutout in game two of FHSU's doubleheader sweep of Bethany College Sunday afternoon at Tiger Stadium (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Bailey Carlson threw a complete-game shutout in game two of FHSU's doubleheader sweep of Bethany College Sunday afternoon at Tiger Stadium (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 13-15 overall with a pair of run-rule wins over Bethany College on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 20) at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers took the opener in five innings by a score of 10-1, then walked off in the sixth inning with an 8-0 victory in game two. Fort Hays State 10, Bethany 1 The Tigers scored in each of the first four innings to build a lead big enough for the run rule, and made it hold up after keeping the Swedes scoreless in the fifth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring for the Tigers in the first with a towering two-run home run to left field. In the second inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6350">Kiana Blake</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;each had RBI singles and Breckbill added two more to her RBI total with a single. Beggs came in to score on a wild pitch later in the inning, and then the Tigers scored their only run of the third on a wild pitch as well. Blake added the runs necessary to put the run rule in play in the fourth with a two-RBI single. Breckbill finished with four RBIs, while Blake had three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;battled some control issues in her start and went just 1.2 innings. She struck out four, but walked two and allowed two hits. Bethany's only run was her responsibility in the second.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6351">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;relieved to strike out six and allowed four hits and two walks in 3.1 innings of relief. She picked up the win moving to 4-3 on the season. Sasha Martello took the loss for Bethany, allowing the first seven runs (two earned) in two innings of work. Fort Hays State 8, Bethany 0 The Tigers almost kept their trend of scoring in each inning alive in game two, but finally went scoreless in the fourth when already leading 6-0. FHSU scored twice in the first, three times in the second, then put up single runs in the third, fifth, and sixth innings to put the run rule on once again. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly RBI and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6344">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;RBI double in the first made it 2-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;picked up an RBI on a fielder's choice in the second and an extra run scored on the play by error. Tiffany added another RBI on a single making it 5-0. In the third,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6346">Lindsey Kelly</a>&nbsp;lined a pitch over the centerfielder's head that went all the way to the wall. Kelly turned the jets on and wheeled all the way around for an inside-the-park home run, making it 6-0 after three innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6342">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;made it 7-0 in the fifth with an RBI single, then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;got into the RBI act in the sixth, ending the game on an RBI single to center field. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6345">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;threw a complete-game shutout in the circle, striking out six with three hits allowed and one walk. She is now 3-1 on the season. Bethany starter Ravin Moore took the loss in just two innings of work, allowing five runs (three earned). The Tigers return to MIAA play next weekend at Nebraska-Kearney (Mar. 26) for a doubleheader starting at 1 pm.

🥎 Tigers defeat Bethany twice by run-rule

<a href="https://okstate.com/index.aspx">Oklahoma State Athletics</a>

STILLWATER&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=3651">Jacie Hoyt</a>&nbsp;was introduced as the head coach of Oklahoma State women's basketball on March 20, 2022. She came to OSU after serving as head coach at Kansas City from 2017-22. Her roots in Big 12 country run deep. Her mother, Shelly Hoyt, is a Kansas High School coaching legend and Jacie, who played for her mother in high school at Hoxie, went on to play collegiately at Wichita State. In addition to leading the Kansas City program, Hoyt's coaching career includes stops at Fort Hays State, Nevada and Kansas State. "There are a million reasons to be excited about Oklahoma State," Hoyt said. "First and foremost, it's the people and the leadership there. Everyone I've had conversations with at OSU aligns with the beliefs and characteristics that lead to success. It's the community as well. OSU has a fan base that supports the program and we are passionate about giving them something to proud of." Her work at Kansas City was transformational. In her five seasons at the helm of the Roos, she compiled an 81-65 overall record (55.5 percent) and a 48-31 mark in conference play (60.8 percent). For perspective, the six Kansas City coaches before her combined to go 242-437 overall (35.6 percent) and 144-215 in conference play (40.1 percent). In 2021-22, she coached the Roos to their first postseason appearance in a decade. Hoyt led the Roos to the 2020 Western Athletic Conference regular season championship – the first in program history – and more than 20 wins in two of her final three seasons. She was honored as the 2020 WAC Coach of the Year to become the first Kansas City coach to ever receive such an honor and her top player, Ericka Mattingly, was named WAC Player of the Year. Despite moving to the more difficult Summit League in 2020-21, the Roos finished two spots better than predicted during their first year in the league and placed third in their second year. In 2018-19, the Roos led the WAC and ranked 24th nationally by averaging 76.0 points per game. Making that even more remarkable is that Hoyt inherited a Kansas City program that finished seventh, eighth and fifth in the WAC in scoring offense in the three years prior to her arrival. Twice during Hoyt's tenure did Kansas City finish among the top 50 nationally in scoring offense (2018-19 and 2021-22). "When we started the search for the next head coach of OSU Cowgirl Basketball, we were looking for a program builder, someone with high integrity and energy, a role model for our student-athletes and a recruiter with experience attracting Big 12 caliber players," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said. "We believe we have found that in Jacie and I look forward to our players and fans getting to know her." A consistent trait the Roos displayed during Hoyt's time as head coach was the ability to shoot. Her 2021-22 squad ranked in the top 30 nationally in both three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage and her 2020-21 squad finished 17th nationally in three-point field goals made per game. Kansas City ranked 62nd or better nationally in three-point field goals made in four of her five years as head coach and in her final two seasons, ranked 37th and 28th, respectively, in three-point field goal percentage. Another signature trait of Hoyt's Kansas City teams was sharing the ball. In four of her five seasons, the Roos ranked either first or second in the conference in assists per game, leading the league in 2018-19 and 2020-21. She took the reins of the Kansas City program after gaining three years of Big 12 experience as an assistant coach under Jeff Mittie at Kansas State from 2014-17. Hoyt helped the Wildcats to NCAA Tournament victories in back-to-back seasons. The 2016-17 squad won 22 games overall and 11 in Big 12 play, which marked the highest totals for the program in nine seasons. Hoyt recruited and coached seven All-Big 12 student-athletes, including two All-Defensive Team and two All-Freshman Team selections, headlined by Breanna Lewis, the 23rd pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. She assisted in all facets of recruiting, scouting, game planning and on-court coaching for the Wildcats. Hoyt also coordinated and managed all areas of the elite, overnight and day camps, in addition to the High School Coaching Academy. She was a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 30 Under 30 honoree in 2017. Prior to her time in Manhattan, Hoyt's first full-time Division I coaching job came at Nevada, where she was an assistant under her college coach, Jane Albright, from 2011-14. During her time there, Nevada achieved the program's first winning season in three years in 2013-14 and set a program record with 12 victories in Mountain West Conference play. She recruited and coached four all-conference players, including Mimi Mungedi, the 2013-14 Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year and 25th selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock. Hoyt was a graduate assistant coach at Fort Hays State during the 2010-11 season, where she recruited and coached two All-MIAA selections. She earned a Master of Science in Communication from FHSU. As a student-athlete at Wichita State from 2006-09, Hoyt was a team captain for Albright and started every game at point guard during her final two seasons. In 2008-09, she ranked fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference in assists. She earned the 2009 Iron Shocker Award. Hoyt was also a standout in the classroom, earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference, WSU Athletic Director and WSU Dean's Honor Rolls. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in 2009. During her high school years, Hoyt enjoyed one of the most prolific scoring careers in Kansas prep history, finishing with 2,016 points in only three seasons at Hoxie (Kan.) HS. Her career average of 26.6 points per game ranks sixth in state history. As a senior, she averaged 28.4 points, 7.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 steals per game. She was a three-time all-state performer in basketball and volleyball, and was also a state champion in multiple track events. Hoyt comes from a family of educators. She is the daughter of Kansas high school coaching legend Shelly Hoyt, who at one point led Hoxie HS to a state record 107 straight wins and four consecutive state titles. Her mother is currently the head coach at Eureka (Kan.) HS. Her father, Scott, is the superintendent in Eureka and two of her sisters, Tabitha and Corinna, are teachers. A third sister, Terran, served as a graduate assistant on Jacie's staff at Kansas City. She is married to Daniel Heflin. Her appointment is subject to board approval and background check.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://okstate.com/index.aspx">Oklahoma State Athletics</a>STILLWATER&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=3651">Jacie Hoyt</a>&nbsp;was introduced as the head coach of Oklahoma State women's basketball on March 20, 2022. She came to OSU after serving as head coach at Kansas City from 2017-22. Her roots in Big 12 country run deep. Her mother, Shelly Hoyt, is a Kansas High School coaching legend and Jacie, who played for her mother in high school at Hoxie, went on to play collegiately at Wichita State. In addition to leading the Kansas City program, Hoyt's coaching career includes stops at Fort Hays State, Nevada and Kansas State. "There are a million reasons to be excited about Oklahoma State," Hoyt said. "First and foremost, it's the people and the leadership there. Everyone I've had conversations with at OSU aligns with the beliefs and characteristics that lead to success. It's the community as well. OSU has a fan base that supports the program and we are passionate about giving them something to proud of." Her work at Kansas City was transformational. In her five seasons at the helm of the Roos, she compiled an 81-65 overall record (55.5 percent) and a 48-31 mark in conference play (60.8 percent). For perspective, the six Kansas City coaches before her combined to go 242-437 overall (35.6 percent) and 144-215 in conference play (40.1 percent). In 2021-22, she coached the Roos to their first postseason appearance in a decade. Hoyt led the Roos to the 2020 Western Athletic Conference regular season championship – the first in program history – and more than 20 wins in two of her final three seasons. She was honored as the 2020 WAC Coach of the Year to become the first Kansas City coach to ever receive such an honor and her top player, Ericka Mattingly, was named WAC Player of the Year. Despite moving to the more difficult Summit League in 2020-21, the Roos finished two spots better than predicted during their first year in the league and placed third in their second year. In 2018-19, the Roos led the WAC and ranked 24th nationally by averaging 76.0 points per game. Making that even more remarkable is that Hoyt inherited a Kansas City program that finished seventh, eighth and fifth in the WAC in scoring offense in the three years prior to her arrival. Twice during Hoyt's tenure did Kansas City finish among the top 50 nationally in scoring offense (2018-19 and 2021-22). "When we started the search for the next head coach of OSU Cowgirl Basketball, we were looking for a program builder, someone with high integrity and energy, a role model for our student-athletes and a recruiter with experience attracting Big 12 caliber players," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said. "We believe we have found that in Jacie and I look forward to our players and fans getting to know her." A consistent trait the Roos displayed during Hoyt's time as head coach was the ability to shoot. Her 2021-22 squad ranked in the top 30 nationally in both three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage and her 2020-21 squad finished 17th nationally in three-point field goals made per game. Kansas City ranked 62nd or better nationally in three-point field goals made in four of her five years as head coach and in her final two seasons, ranked 37th and 28th, respectively, in three-point field goal percentage. Another signature trait of Hoyt's Kansas City teams was sharing the ball. In four of her five seasons, the Roos ranked either first or second in the conference in assists per game, leading the league in 2018-19 and 2020-21. She took the reins of the Kansas City program after gaining three years of Big 12 experience as an assistant coach under Jeff Mittie at Kansas State from 2014-17. Hoyt helped the Wildcats to NCAA Tournament victories in back-to-back seasons. The 2016-17 squad won 22 games overall and 11 in Big 12 play, which marked the highest totals for the program in nine seasons. Hoyt recruited and coached seven All-Big 12 student-athletes, including two All-Defensive Team and two All-Freshman Team selections, headlined by Breanna Lewis, the 23rd pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. She assisted in all facets of recruiting, scouting, game planning and on-court coaching for the Wildcats. Hoyt also coordinated and managed all areas of the elite, overnight and day camps, in addition to the High School Coaching Academy. She was a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 30 Under 30 honoree in 2017. Prior to her time in Manhattan, Hoyt's first full-time Division I coaching job came at Nevada, where she was an assistant under her college coach, Jane Albright, from 2011-14. During her time there, Nevada achieved the program's first winning season in three years in 2013-14 and set a program record with 12 victories in Mountain West Conference play. She recruited and coached four all-conference players, including Mimi Mungedi, the 2013-14 Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year and 25th selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock. Hoyt was a graduate assistant coach at Fort Hays State during the 2010-11 season, where she recruited and coached two All-MIAA selections. She earned a Master of Science in Communication from FHSU. As a student-athlete at Wichita State from 2006-09, Hoyt was a team captain for Albright and started every game at point guard during her final two seasons. In 2008-09, she ranked fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference in assists. She earned the 2009 Iron Shocker Award. Hoyt was also a standout in the classroom, earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference, WSU Athletic Director and WSU Dean's Honor Rolls. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in 2009. During her high school years, Hoyt enjoyed one of the most prolific scoring careers in Kansas prep history, finishing with 2,016 points in only three seasons at Hoxie (Kan.) HS. Her career average of 26.6 points per game ranks sixth in state history. As a senior, she averaged 28.4 points, 7.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 steals per game. She was a three-time all-state performer in basketball and volleyball, and was also a state champion in multiple track events. Hoyt comes from a family of educators. She is the daughter of Kansas high school coaching legend Shelly Hoyt, who at one point led Hoxie HS to a state record 107 straight wins and four consecutive state titles. Her mother is currently the head coach at Eureka (Kan.) HS. Her father, Scott, is the superintendent in Eureka and two of her sisters, Tabitha and Corinna, are teachers. A third sister, Terran, served as a graduate assistant on Jacie's staff at Kansas City. She is married to Daniel Heflin. Her appointment is subject to board approval and background check.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Hoyt named new Oklahoma State women's coach

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped Sunday's series finale against Central Oklahoma, 12-0, at Larks Park. Broncho starter Lawson Isaacs tossed a seven-inning perfect game, retiring all 21 batters he faced. The Tigers put the ball in play 16 times, including 11 flyouts and five ground outs. Fort Hays State turned a pair of double plays in the contest, including an around-the-horn double dip to end the first inning and a strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play to end the fifth. Half of Central Oklahoma's 12 runs were unearned after a pair of Tiger errors. UCO finished the game with 12 hits. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6310">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;(0-5) took the loss after allowing seven runs (three earned) on nine hits over 4.0 innings of work. The starter struck out one and did not walk a batter.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6313">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;added two strikeouts in 2.0 innings of relief while giving up three runs on two hits and three walks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6337">Cole Zimmerman</a>&nbsp;tossed the final inning out of the bullpen, allowing two unearned runs on one hit and two walks. The Tigers are scheduled to return to action Tuesday for a midweek doubleheader against Colorado Christian. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647813469183.jpeg" alt="Jake Campbell suffered the loss in the Tigers series finale with Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon at Larks Park (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Jake Campbell suffered the loss in the Tigers series finale with Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon at Larks Park (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped Sunday's series finale against Central Oklahoma, 12-0, at Larks Park. Broncho starter Lawson Isaacs tossed a seven-inning perfect game, retiring all 21 batters he faced. The Tigers put the ball in play 16 times, including 11 flyouts and five ground outs. Fort Hays State turned a pair of double plays in the contest, including an around-the-horn double dip to end the first inning and a strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play to end the fifth. Half of Central Oklahoma's 12 runs were unearned after a pair of Tiger errors. UCO finished the game with 12 hits. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6310">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;(0-5) took the loss after allowing seven runs (three earned) on nine hits over 4.0 innings of work. The starter struck out one and did not walk a batter.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6313">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;added two strikeouts in 2.0 innings of relief while giving up three runs on two hits and three walks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6337">Cole Zimmerman</a>&nbsp;tossed the final inning out of the bullpen, allowing two unearned runs on one hit and two walks. The Tigers are scheduled to return to action Tuesday for a midweek doubleheader against Colorado Christian. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers fall in series finale with Bronchos

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team rallied from 6-1 down to get the tying run 90 feet away in the ninth inning Saturday, but Central Oklahoma held on for the 6-5 win after back-to-back strikeouts closed things out. The Tigers (3-21, 2-10 MIAA) scored the final four runs in the game, but six Broncho (13-10, 7-5 MIAA) runs over the first four innings proved to be just enough. Central Oklahoma scored a pair of two-out runs in the top of the first before the Tigers cut the deficit in half in the home half. A solid single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6328">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;followed walks to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6620">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6318">Brady Kreutzer</a>, loading the bases with no outs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;came through with a sacrifice fly to center, plating Kehe, but the Bronchos got out of the jam with a strikeout, batter interference double play. Tiger starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6324">Hunter Parker</a>&nbsp;(0-5) retired the side in order in the second before the Bronchos put together another two-out rally in the third, scoring two more runs on three hits. UCO tacked on another two-spot in the fourth, pushing the lead to 6-1. Fort Hays State answered right back, scoring two runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth. Scott reached on an error to lead things off before Broncho starter Tucker Elliott (2-1) walked four consecutive batters, making the score 6-3. But Elliott finally got out of the jam with a strikeout and a double play ball to short. Parker worked around a hit in the fifth before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6305">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;came on to pitch in the sixth. The reliver tossed four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two batters to give the Tigers the chance to complete the comeback. The Tigers scored one final run off Elliott in the fifth when Kehe worked his second walk of the game. The speedy second baseman took second on a wild pitch before advancing to third on a fly ball to right. He later scored on a wild pitch, helping the Tigers close within 6-4. Central Oklahoma went to the bullpen in the sixth, with the Tigers stranding runners on the corners before going down in order in the seventh against A.J. Ozorio-Brace. Fort Hays State closed within one in the bottom of the eighth on a solo home run from Schmidt, the senior's team-best seventh home run of the season. The Hastings, Neb. native swung at the first pitch thrown by reliever Beaux Bonvillain, sending a no-doubter sailing over the wall in dead center. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6333">Kade Wallace</a>&nbsp;followed with a single, but the hard-throwing lefty got out of the inning with a pop up, a strikeout and a ground out. After Berg retired the final six batters he faced, pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6313">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;opened the bottom of the ninth with a base knock to left off UCO closer Kyler Patterson. Kehe followed with a single to center, putting the winning run on base with zero outs. Pinch runner&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6315">Dylan Hupfer</a>&nbsp;advanced to third on a hard-hit flyout from Kreutzer before Patterson locked down his fifth save of the season with back-to-back strikeouts. Parker struck out three batters across 5.0 innings of work, giving up six runs on seven hits and four walks. Schmidt scored two runs and drove in two more, while Wallace (2-for-3) was the lone Tiger with multiple hits. The Tigers and Bronchos will meet up in the series finale Sunday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647752281626.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Zach&nbsp; Berg pitched four scoreless innings vs. Central Oklahoma Saturday at Larks Park (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Zach&nbsp; Berg pitched four scoreless innings vs. Central Oklahoma Saturday at Larks Park (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team rallied from 6-1 down to get the tying run 90 feet away in the ninth inning Saturday, but Central Oklahoma held on for the 6-5 win after back-to-back strikeouts closed things out. The Tigers (3-21, 2-10 MIAA) scored the final four runs in the game, but six Broncho (13-10, 7-5 MIAA) runs over the first four innings proved to be just enough. Central Oklahoma scored a pair of two-out runs in the top of the first before the Tigers cut the deficit in half in the home half. A solid single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6328">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;followed walks to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6620">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6318">Brady Kreutzer</a>, loading the bases with no outs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;came through with a sacrifice fly to center, plating Kehe, but the Bronchos got out of the jam with a strikeout, batter interference double play. Tiger starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6324">Hunter Parker</a>&nbsp;(0-5) retired the side in order in the second before the Bronchos put together another two-out rally in the third, scoring two more runs on three hits. UCO tacked on another two-spot in the fourth, pushing the lead to 6-1. Fort Hays State answered right back, scoring two runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth. Scott reached on an error to lead things off before Broncho starter Tucker Elliott (2-1) walked four consecutive batters, making the score 6-3. But Elliott finally got out of the jam with a strikeout and a double play ball to short. Parker worked around a hit in the fifth before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6305">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;came on to pitch in the sixth. The reliver tossed four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two batters to give the Tigers the chance to complete the comeback. The Tigers scored one final run off Elliott in the fifth when Kehe worked his second walk of the game. The speedy second baseman took second on a wild pitch before advancing to third on a fly ball to right. He later scored on a wild pitch, helping the Tigers close within 6-4. Central Oklahoma went to the bullpen in the sixth, with the Tigers stranding runners on the corners before going down in order in the seventh against A.J. Ozorio-Brace. Fort Hays State closed within one in the bottom of the eighth on a solo home run from Schmidt, the senior's team-best seventh home run of the season. The Hastings, Neb. native swung at the first pitch thrown by reliever Beaux Bonvillain, sending a no-doubter sailing over the wall in dead center. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6333">Kade Wallace</a>&nbsp;followed with a single, but the hard-throwing lefty got out of the inning with a pop up, a strikeout and a ground out. After Berg retired the final six batters he faced, pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6313">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;opened the bottom of the ninth with a base knock to left off UCO closer Kyler Patterson. Kehe followed with a single to center, putting the winning run on base with zero outs. Pinch runner&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6315">Dylan Hupfer</a>&nbsp;advanced to third on a hard-hit flyout from Kreutzer before Patterson locked down his fifth save of the season with back-to-back strikeouts. Parker struck out three batters across 5.0 innings of work, giving up six runs on seven hits and four walks. Schmidt scored two runs and drove in two more, while Wallace (2-for-3) was the lone Tiger with multiple hits. The Tigers and Bronchos will meet up in the series finale Sunday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;