BOLIVAR, Mo. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams saw both the women's heptathlon and men's decathlon records go down this weekend at the SBU Bearcat Invitational. Three of the five Tigers that competed cleared the NCAA Division II provisional threshold in the multi-events. Mattie Rossi surpassed a 10-year-old school record in the heptathlon by 314 points with her NCAA provisional total of 4,984. The sophomore placed third in the event after posting PRs in six of the seven disciplines. She capped off day two with her best event of the day, totaling 785 points with a time of 2:22.85 in the 800m run. Taylor Savolt also cleared the provisional mark with a score of 4,585 in her first collegiate heptathlon. The freshman was fifth overall and placed in the top five in six of the seven disciplines. Her top mark on day two also came in the 800m run when she tallied 711 points with a time of 2:28.54. Senior Matthew Pieper&nbsp;broke the school record in the decathlon with a provisional total of 6,738 points. He eclipsed the old record, set four years ago, by 96 points. Pieper's top event day two event came in the 110mH when he earned 812 points thanks to a time of 15.31. The Colby, Kan. native placed fourth overall at the meet. Jack Pakkebier was just behind Pieper in fifth with a two-day total of 6,256 points in his first-ever collegiate decathlon, less than 70 points shy of the provisional threshold. The sophomore had the best toss in the field in the discus, totaling 641 points with a toss of 127-6. Pakkebier's top event on day two was also the 110m hurdles, where he crossed the line in 16.34 to total 695 points. Nolan Churchman placed eighth overall with a score of 6,097. Also competing in his first decathlon, the freshman led the field in the final event of the day, posting a time of 4:45.04 in the 1,500m run to rack up a day-two high of 649 points. Pieper (4:46.33, 641) and Pakkebier (4:48.02, 631) finished just behind Churchman in the final race of the meet, helping the Tigers go 1-2-3 in the race. Rossi and Pieper broke the school indoor pentathlon and heptathlon records, respectively, during the 2021 indoor season. The Tigers are scheduled to return to competition next weekend when they travel to Wichita, Kan. for the K.T. Woodman Classic, hosted by Wichita State University. Full FHSU Results Women's Heptathlon 3rd - Mattie Rossi&nbsp;- 4,984 ! 100mH - 14.32 - 934 HJ - 5-5.0 - 795 SP - 32-5.75 - 523 200m - 25.20 - 869 Day 1 total - 3,121 LJ - 18-0.5 - 700 JT - 81-3 - 378 800m - 2:22.85 - 785 5th - Taylor Savolt&nbsp;- 4,585 100mH - 15.34 - 797 HJ - 4-6.25 - 491 SP - 33-3.75 - 539 200m - 25.50 - 841 Day 1 total - 2,668 LJ - 17-7.5 - 663 JT - 109-10 - 543 800m - 2:28.54 - 711 Men's Decathlon 4th - Matthew Pieper&nbsp;- 6,738 ! 100m - 11.13 - 832 LJ - 23-2.75 - 833 SP - 38-9.0 - 595 HJ - 5-11.5 - 644 400m - 50.10 - 810 Day 1 total - 3,714 110mH - 15.31 - 812 DT - 107-7 - 520 PV - 11-9.75 - 509 JT - 153-7 - 542 1500m - 4:46.33 - 641 5th - Jack Pakkebier&nbsp;- 6,256 100m - 11.34 - 786 LJ - 20-10.75 - 668 SP - 37-9.25 - 577 HJ - 5-5.75 - 520 400m - 50.46 - 794 Day 1 total - 3,345 110mH - 16.34 - 695 DT - 127-6 - 641 PV - 12-1.5 - 535 JT - 123-7 - 409 1500m - 4:48.02 - 631 8th - Nolan Churchman&nbsp;- 6,097 100m - 11.13 - 832 LJ - 22-5.25 - 776 SP - 33-5.25 - 497 HJ - 6-0.75 - 670 400m - 50.07 - 811 Day 1 total - 3,586 110mH - 17.02 - 622 DT - 90-5 - 417 PV - 11-9.75 - 509 JT - 101-11 - 314 1500m - 4:45.04 - 649 Bold indicates NCAA DII provisional mark ! indicates school record&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617548293887.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>BOLIVAR, Mo. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams saw both the women's heptathlon and men's decathlon records go down this weekend at the SBU Bearcat Invitational. Three of the five Tigers that competed cleared the NCAA Division II provisional threshold in the multi-events. Mattie Rossi surpassed a 10-year-old school record in the heptathlon by 314 points with her NCAA provisional total of 4,984. The sophomore placed third in the event after posting PRs in six of the seven disciplines. She capped off day two with her best event of the day, totaling 785 points with a time of 2:22.85 in the 800m run. Taylor Savolt also cleared the provisional mark with a score of 4,585 in her first collegiate heptathlon. The freshman was fifth overall and placed in the top five in six of the seven disciplines. Her top mark on day two also came in the 800m run when she tallied 711 points with a time of 2:28.54. Senior Matthew Pieper&nbsp;broke the school record in the decathlon with a provisional total of 6,738 points. He eclipsed the old record, set four years ago, by 96 points. Pieper's top event day two event came in the 110mH when he earned 812 points thanks to a time of 15.31. The Colby, Kan. native placed fourth overall at the meet. Jack Pakkebier was just behind Pieper in fifth with a two-day total of 6,256 points in his first-ever collegiate decathlon, less than 70 points shy of the provisional threshold. The sophomore had the best toss in the field in the discus, totaling 641 points with a toss of 127-6. Pakkebier's top event on day two was also the 110m hurdles, where he crossed the line in 16.34 to total 695 points. Nolan Churchman placed eighth overall with a score of 6,097. Also competing in his first decathlon, the freshman led the field in the final event of the day, posting a time of 4:45.04 in the 1,500m run to rack up a day-two high of 649 points. Pieper (4:46.33, 641) and Pakkebier (4:48.02, 631) finished just behind Churchman in the final race of the meet, helping the Tigers go 1-2-3 in the race. Rossi and Pieper broke the school indoor pentathlon and heptathlon records, respectively, during the 2021 indoor season. The Tigers are scheduled to return to competition next weekend when they travel to Wichita, Kan. for the K.T. Woodman Classic, hosted by Wichita State University. Full FHSU Results Women's Heptathlon 3rd - Mattie Rossi&nbsp;- 4,984 ! 100mH - 14.32 - 934 HJ - 5-5.0 - 795 SP - 32-5.75 - 523 200m - 25.20 - 869 Day 1 total - 3,121 LJ - 18-0.5 - 700 JT - 81-3 - 378 800m - 2:22.85 - 785 5th - Taylor Savolt&nbsp;- 4,585 100mH - 15.34 - 797 HJ - 4-6.25 - 491 SP - 33-3.75 - 539 200m - 25.50 - 841 Day 1 total - 2,668 LJ - 17-7.5 - 663 JT - 109-10 - 543 800m - 2:28.54 - 711 Men's Decathlon 4th - Matthew Pieper&nbsp;- 6,738 ! 100m - 11.13 - 832 LJ - 23-2.75 - 833 SP - 38-9.0 - 595 HJ - 5-11.5 - 644 400m - 50.10 - 810 Day 1 total - 3,714 110mH - 15.31 - 812 DT - 107-7 - 520 PV - 11-9.75 - 509 JT - 153-7 - 542 1500m - 4:46.33 - 641 5th - Jack Pakkebier&nbsp;- 6,256 100m - 11.34 - 786 LJ - 20-10.75 - 668 SP - 37-9.25 - 577 HJ - 5-5.75 - 520 400m - 50.46 - 794 Day 1 total - 3,345 110mH - 16.34 - 695 DT - 127-6 - 641 PV - 12-1.5 - 535 JT - 123-7 - 409 1500m - 4:48.02 - 631 8th - Nolan Churchman&nbsp;- 6,097 100m - 11.13 - 832 LJ - 22-5.25 - 776 SP - 33-5.25 - 497 HJ - 6-0.75 - 670 400m - 50.07 - 811 Day 1 total - 3,586 110mH - 17.02 - 622 DT - 90-5 - 417 PV - 11-9.75 - 509 JT - 101-11 - 314 1500m - 4:45.04 - 649 Bold indicates NCAA DII provisional mark ! indicates school record&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏃‍♂️ FHSU Heptathlon, Decathlon records go down in Bolivar

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State split a pair of low-scoring conference games with Missouri Southern on Saturday at Tiger Stadium. The winning team scored just two runs in each contest as FHSU won game one 2-1 before falling in game two 2-0. The Tigers are now 13-13 overall and 7-3 in the MIAA where they sit alone in fourth place. The Lions moved to 15-11 overall and 6-4 in the MIAA. Game 1: Fort Hays State 2, Missouri Southern 1 Fort Hays State struck first in the second inning when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5955">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;drove home&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5957">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;from first base with a double to the right center gap. Missouri Southern tied the game in the fourth benefitting from a leadoff double by Josie Topfi. Leighton Withers followed with an RBI single through the right side of the infield. The Tigers took the lead back in the fifth as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5957">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;led off the inning with a single and moved up to second on a sacrifice bunt by Tiffany.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5882">Katie Adler</a>&nbsp;then came through with a clutch two-out RBI single up the middle to score Espinoza from second base. That was enough offense for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5893">Michaelanne Nelson</a>, who put together another strong effort in the pitching circle for the Tigers. She scattered six hits and walked two, while striking out five to move to 7-7 on the season. Abby Atkin took the loss for the Lions, allowing just one earned run on five hits and a walk, while striking out two. Game 2: Missouri Southern 2, Fort Hays State 0 Fort Hays State had opportunities to score runs three times, but could never get it done against Bailey Lacy, who threw a complete-game shutout for the Lions. Lacy allowed five hits and walked two, while striking out three Tigers. She moved to 4-1 on the season. The Tigers had runners at second and third with one out in the first an a pair of pop ups ended their first threat. They had a runner at second with two outs in the second and came up empty. Finally in the fifth, they had runners in scoring position again at second and third with two outs, but a ground out ended another chance to score. The Tigers produced singles in the sixth and seventh inning, but never advanced the runner into scoring position.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5894">Grace Philop</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with two hits in the game. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5887">Hailey Chapman</a>&nbsp;was perfect in the pitching circle for the first 11 outs of the game until Josie Topfi changed that with a solo home run to left field in the fourth. Topfi continued to be a thorn in the side of the Tigers in the sixth when she plated another run with a double. Chapman threw a complete game, allowing six hits, but took the tough-luck loss. She struck out six and moved to 6-5 on the season. The Tigers head out to Denver, Colorado on Tuesday (Apr. 6) for a non-conference doubleheader at MSU Denver before returning home for another MIAA doubleheader. The Tigers will host Nebraska-Kearney next weekend at Tiger Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617492567423.jpeg" alt="Jessica Espinoza scores a run in the first game vs. Missouri Southern State Saturday. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Espinoza scores a run in the first game vs. Missouri Southern State Saturday. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State split a pair of low-scoring conference games with Missouri Southern on Saturday at Tiger Stadium. The winning team scored just two runs in each contest as FHSU won game one 2-1 before falling in game two 2-0. The Tigers are now 13-13 overall and 7-3 in the MIAA where they sit alone in fourth place. The Lions moved to 15-11 overall and 6-4 in the MIAA. Game 1: Fort Hays State 2, Missouri Southern 1 Fort Hays State struck first in the second inning when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5955">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;drove home&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5957">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;from first base with a double to the right center gap. Missouri Southern tied the game in the fourth benefitting from a leadoff double by Josie Topfi. Leighton Withers followed with an RBI single through the right side of the infield. The Tigers took the lead back in the fifth as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5957">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;led off the inning with a single and moved up to second on a sacrifice bunt by Tiffany.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5882">Katie Adler</a>&nbsp;then came through with a clutch two-out RBI single up the middle to score Espinoza from second base. That was enough offense for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5893">Michaelanne Nelson</a>, who put together another strong effort in the pitching circle for the Tigers. She scattered six hits and walked two, while striking out five to move to 7-7 on the season. Abby Atkin took the loss for the Lions, allowing just one earned run on five hits and a walk, while striking out two. Game 2: Missouri Southern 2, Fort Hays State 0 Fort Hays State had opportunities to score runs three times, but could never get it done against Bailey Lacy, who threw a complete-game shutout for the Lions. Lacy allowed five hits and walked two, while striking out three Tigers. She moved to 4-1 on the season. The Tigers had runners at second and third with one out in the first an a pair of pop ups ended their first threat. They had a runner at second with two outs in the second and came up empty. Finally in the fifth, they had runners in scoring position again at second and third with two outs, but a ground out ended another chance to score. The Tigers produced singles in the sixth and seventh inning, but never advanced the runner into scoring position.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5894">Grace Philop</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with two hits in the game. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5887">Hailey Chapman</a>&nbsp;was perfect in the pitching circle for the first 11 outs of the game until Josie Topfi changed that with a solo home run to left field in the fourth. Topfi continued to be a thorn in the side of the Tigers in the sixth when she plated another run with a double. Chapman threw a complete game, allowing six hits, but took the tough-luck loss. She struck out six and moved to 6-5 on the season. The Tigers head out to Denver, Colorado on Tuesday (Apr. 6) for a non-conference doubleheader at MSU Denver before returning home for another MIAA doubleheader. The Tigers will host Nebraska-Kearney next weekend at Tiger Stadium.FHSU Athletics

🥎 Tigers split with MSSU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor homered and drove in three runs for the second straight game, leading the Kansas City Royals over the Texas Rangers 11-4 Saturday.

Released by Washington after hitting .196 last season, Taylor is off to a sensational start for Kansas City. After getting three hits and throwing out two runners at the plate from center field in a 14-10 win on opening day, Taylor came back with a home run and double as the Royals improved to 2-0.

Whit Merrifield also homered for the second game in a row.

Once again, the Royals spotted the Rangers a big early lead before rallying. Kansas City allowed five runs in the top of the first inning in the opener, and this time trailed 4-0 before scoring three runs in the fifth and seven more in the sixth.

Mike Minor (1-0) allowed four runs on four hits in six innings. He pitched for the Rangers over the past three seasons.

Texas reliever Josh Sborz (0-1) gave up three runs without retiring a batter.

Rangers starter Kohei Arihara allowed three runs and six hits in five innings in his major league debut after six seasons in Japan.

Joey Gallo’s mammoth 450-foot homer to center put the Rangers on the board in the first. After David Dahl doubled, Gallo hit a 1-2 pitch into the batter’s eye.

Minor ran into trouble in the third, much of it his own doing. After retiring the first two hitters, he gave up an infield single before a four-pitch walk and a hit batter. Nate Lowe then looped a two-run single.

The Royals finally got to Arihara in the fifth when Taylor hit a 458-foot home run to straightaway center. Kyle Isbel then tripled when center fielder Leody Taveras lost his flyball in the sun. Hanser Alberto doubled and when Nicky Lopez bunted for a single, the Royals had a cycle in the first four batters of the inning. Merrifield drove in Alberto with a fielder’s choice.

Taylor’s two-run double in the sixth to give Kansas City the lead. Isbel followed with an RBI single, Merrifield drove in two with a single and Carlos Santana had a two-run double,

Royals 3B Hunter Dozier was out of the lineup with swelling in his right thumb. He left Thursday’s game with a contusion apparently hurt on a swing. Manager Mike Matheny said Dozier is day-to-day.

The Rangers will send RHP Jordan Lyles to the mound Sunday. He finished 2020 1-6 with a 7.02 ERA. He allowed the most runs in MLB in 2020.

Royals RHP Brady Singer will try to build on an impressive debut season. He went 4-5 with a 4.05 ERA in 2020, but he won three of his last four starts, including allowing just one hit over eight innings in a late-season start against Cleveland.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor homered and drove in three runs for the second straight game, leading the Kansas City Royals over the Texas Rangers 11-4 Saturday.Released by Washington after hitting .196 last season, Taylor is off to a sensational start for Kansas City. After getting three hits and throwing out two runners at the plate from center field in a 14-10 win on opening day, Taylor came back with a home run and double as the Royals improved to 2-0.Whit Merrifield also homered for the second game in a row.Once again, the Royals spotted the Rangers a big early lead before rallying. Kansas City allowed five runs in the top of the first inning in the opener, and this time trailed 4-0 before scoring three runs in the fifth and seven more in the sixth.Mike Minor (1-0) allowed four runs on four hits in six innings. He pitched for the Rangers over the past three seasons.Texas reliever Josh Sborz (0-1) gave up three runs without retiring a batter.Rangers starter Kohei Arihara allowed three runs and six hits in five innings in his major league debut after six seasons in Japan.Joey Gallo’s mammoth 450-foot homer to center put the Rangers on the board in the first. After David Dahl doubled, Gallo hit a 1-2 pitch into the batter’s eye.Minor ran into trouble in the third, much of it his own doing. After retiring the first two hitters, he gave up an infield single before a four-pitch walk and a hit batter. Nate Lowe then looped a two-run single.The Royals finally got to Arihara in the fifth when Taylor hit a 458-foot home run to straightaway center. Kyle Isbel then tripled when center fielder Leody Taveras lost his flyball in the sun. Hanser Alberto doubled and when Nicky Lopez bunted for a single, the Royals had a cycle in the first four batters of the inning. Merrifield drove in Alberto with a fielder’s choice.Taylor’s two-run double in the sixth to give Kansas City the lead. Isbel followed with an RBI single, Merrifield drove in two with a single and Carlos Santana had a two-run double,Merrifield homered in the eighth.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals 3B Hunter Dozier was out of the lineup with swelling in his right thumb. He left Thursday’s game with a contusion apparently hurt on a swing. Manager Mike Matheny said Dozier is day-to-day.UP NEXTThe Rangers will send RHP Jordan Lyles to the mound Sunday. He finished 2020 1-6 with a 7.02 ERA. He allowed the most runs in MLB in 2020.Royals RHP Brady Singer will try to build on an impressive debut season. He went 4-5 with a 4.05 ERA in 2020, but he won three of his last four starts, including allowing just one hit over eight innings in a late-season start against Cleveland.

⚾ Taylor again stars at plate, Royals beat Rangers

&nbsp; TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped a back-and-forth battle in Saturday's series finale against Northeastern State, 7-6. The Tigers led 3-1 and later 6-4, but the RiverHawks scored the final three runs to steal the victory. The Tigers took the lead just one batter into the game when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6018">Drake Angeron</a>&nbsp;sent a sharp grounder just inside first base and into the right-field corner. The right fielder legged out a triple before coming into score on an errant throw, giving FHSU a quick 1-0 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6022">Jacob Bouzide</a>&nbsp;followed with a single before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6043">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;worked a walk.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6057">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;doubled the lead two batters later with a single to right, driving in Schmidt. The RiverHawks got one run back in the bottom of the first before the Tigers stretched their lead to 3-1 in the top of the third when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6051">Kade Wallace</a>&nbsp;sent a two-out home run soaring over the fence in left center, his third long ball of the season. Northeastern State took its first lead at 4-3 after a three-run home run in the bottom of the third, but Fort Hays State responded with three runs of its own in the fourth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6047">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;led off with a walk before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6050">Corbin Truslow</a>&nbsp;singled to right.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6054">Traelon Yarbrough</a>&nbsp;followed with a double to center, driving in Stephens and tying the score at four. Angeron drove in the go-ahead run with an infield single up the middle, plating Truslow. Yarbrough came around to score on a fielder's choice from Schmidt, giving the Tigers a 6-4 lead. Northeastern State pulled within one with a single run in the home half of the fourth before the score held steady at 6-5 until the seventh inning, when NSU went back on top with a pair of runs. The Tigers had the tying run on base in both the eighth and ninth innings, but RiverHawk pitcher Dakodah Jones capped off five scoreless innings of relief to secure the win. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6052">Padraic Walsh</a>&nbsp;tossed five innings in his first start of the season, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out five batters.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6028">Jacob Ensz</a>&nbsp;(0-3) took the loss after giving up two runs (one earned) over 1.2 innings of work.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6046">Jake Steinbring</a>&nbsp;tossed a hitless final 1.1 innings, surrendering just two walks. Yarbrough finished the day 2-for-3 with a double, one RBI and one run. Angeron also collected two of FHSU's nine base hits. The Tigers will continue their road trip next weekend when they head to St. Joseph, Mo. to take on Missouri Western. The Tigers and Griffons will open the series with a single game on Friday (April 9) at 5 p.m. before wrapping things up with a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617492193434.jpeg" alt="Kade Wallas (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kade Wallas (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped a back-and-forth battle in Saturday's series finale against Northeastern State, 7-6. The Tigers led 3-1 and later 6-4, but the RiverHawks scored the final three runs to steal the victory. The Tigers took the lead just one batter into the game when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6018">Drake Angeron</a>&nbsp;sent a sharp grounder just inside first base and into the right-field corner. The right fielder legged out a triple before coming into score on an errant throw, giving FHSU a quick 1-0 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6022">Jacob Bouzide</a>&nbsp;followed with a single before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6043">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;worked a walk.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6057">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;doubled the lead two batters later with a single to right, driving in Schmidt. The RiverHawks got one run back in the bottom of the first before the Tigers stretched their lead to 3-1 in the top of the third when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6051">Kade Wallace</a>&nbsp;sent a two-out home run soaring over the fence in left center, his third long ball of the season. Northeastern State took its first lead at 4-3 after a three-run home run in the bottom of the third, but Fort Hays State responded with three runs of its own in the fourth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6047">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;led off with a walk before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6050">Corbin Truslow</a>&nbsp;singled to right.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6054">Traelon Yarbrough</a>&nbsp;followed with a double to center, driving in Stephens and tying the score at four. Angeron drove in the go-ahead run with an infield single up the middle, plating Truslow. Yarbrough came around to score on a fielder's choice from Schmidt, giving the Tigers a 6-4 lead. Northeastern State pulled within one with a single run in the home half of the fourth before the score held steady at 6-5 until the seventh inning, when NSU went back on top with a pair of runs. The Tigers had the tying run on base in both the eighth and ninth innings, but RiverHawk pitcher Dakodah Jones capped off five scoreless innings of relief to secure the win. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6052">Padraic Walsh</a>&nbsp;tossed five innings in his first start of the season, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out five batters.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6028">Jacob Ensz</a>&nbsp;(0-3) took the loss after giving up two runs (one earned) over 1.2 innings of work.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6046">Jake Steinbring</a>&nbsp;tossed a hitless final 1.1 innings, surrendering just two walks. Yarbrough finished the day 2-for-3 with a double, one RBI and one run. Angeron also collected two of FHSU's nine base hits. The Tigers will continue their road trip next weekend when they head to St. Joseph, Mo. to take on Missouri Western. The Tigers and Griffons will open the series with a single game on Friday (April 9) at 5 p.m. before wrapping things up with a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚾ Tigers come up short in series finale with RiverHawks

HAYS, Kan. – It was the latest start for a home opener in program history but it was well worth the wait for the Fort Hays State softball team who swept Pittsburg State Friday at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers held the Gorillas to one run in each contest, winning 7-1 and 5-1. The Tigers even their record at 12-12 and improve to 6-2 in the MIAA. The Gorillas fell to 10-18 overall and have lost six straight conference games after a 4-0 start.

Game 1: Fort Hays State 7, Pittsburg State 1 Michaelanne Nelson did not allow an earned run in her third straight confernce start. Nelson scattered six hits and walked just one with 10 strikeouts to move to 6-7 on the season.

&nbsp;Nelson never allowed any Gorilla baserunners past second base prior to the fifth inning. She stranded runners at second and third in the fifth. Pitt State's only run came in the sixth on a pickoff attempt at third by catcher Elise Capra.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State took advantage of a first inning error to load the bases in the first. Grace Philop drew a bases loaded walk to bring in the firwst run. Jessic Espinza added an RBI single.

Sara Breckbill and Philop&nbsp;started a rally for the Tigers in the third. Breckbill singled and then came all the way around to score on a double by Philop that sliced into the left field corner. After Espinoza singled and stole second, Lily Sale&nbsp;drove in two runs with a single to center field. The Tigers capped their scoring in the fifth, triggered by a Sale double. A dropped fly ball off the bat of Sarah Tiffany&nbsp;put runners at second and third with just one out. Katie Adler singled to bring home Sale and Lren Beggs knocked in Tiffany with a sacrifice fly. Game 2: Fort Hays State 5, Pittsburg State 1 Fort Hays State did all of their scoring in the second inning. Kristen Reed and Jessica Espinoza&nbsp;led off the inning with walks, then Lily Sale laid down a bunt single to load the bases. Terran Caldwell drove in two runs wtih a single to center field. A walk by Katie Adler loaded the bases for Grace Philp who drove in two more runs with a single. A Sara Breckbill single loaded the bases for a third time in the inning. Loren Beggs drove in the fifth run on a groundout to second base.

Starter Hailey Chapman escaped bases loaded jams in the second and third innings. The Gorillas only run came in the sixth. She scattered eight hits while walking three and striking out four to move to 4-6 on the season.

The Tigers are back at home Saturday for a noon doubleheader with Missouri Southern State. The Lions are 14-10 and 5-3 in the MIAA.

FHSU Athletics contributed to this story

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617417097624.jpeg" alt="Grace Philp had four hits and four RBIs in the Tigers sweep of Pittsburg State Friday at Tiger Stadium. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Grace Philp had four hits and four RBIs in the Tigers sweep of Pittsburg State Friday at Tiger Stadium. (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. – It was the latest start for a home opener in program history but it was well worth the wait for the Fort Hays State softball team who swept Pittsburg State Friday at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers held the Gorillas to one run in each contest, winning 7-1 and 5-1. The Tigers even their record at 12-12 and improve to 6-2 in the MIAA. The Gorillas fell to 10-18 overall and have lost six straight conference games after a 4-0 start.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1021333351&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/04-02-21-fhsu-sb-vs-psucoach-interview" title="Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. Pittsburg State 040221" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. Pittsburg State 040221</a></div></div>Game 1: Fort Hays State 7, Pittsburg State 1 Michaelanne Nelson did not allow an earned run in her third straight confernce start. Nelson scattered six hits and walked just one with 10 strikeouts to move to 6-7 on the season.&nbsp;Nelson never allowed any Gorilla baserunners past second base prior to the fifth inning. She stranded runners at second and third in the fifth. Pitt State's only run came in the sixth on a pickoff attempt at third by catcher Elise Capra.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1021333297&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/04-02-21-fhsu-sb-vs-psu-highlights-game-1" title="Fort Hays State SB vs. Pittsburg State Highlights (Game 1) 040221" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB vs. Pittsburg State Highlights (Game 1) 040221</a></div></div>Fort Hays State took advantage of a first inning error to load the bases in the first. Grace Philop drew a bases loaded walk to bring in the firwst run. Jessic Espinza added an RBI single.Sara Breckbill and Philop&nbsp;started a rally for the Tigers in the third. Breckbill singled and then came all the way around to score on a double by Philop that sliced into the left field corner. After Espinoza singled and stole second, Lily Sale&nbsp;drove in two runs with a single to center field. The Tigers capped their scoring in the fifth, triggered by a Sale double. A dropped fly ball off the bat of Sarah Tiffany&nbsp;put runners at second and third with just one out. Katie Adler singled to bring home Sale and Lren Beggs knocked in Tiffany with a sacrifice fly. Game 2: Fort Hays State 5, Pittsburg State 1 Fort Hays State did all of their scoring in the second inning. Kristen Reed and Jessica Espinoza&nbsp;led off the inning with walks, then Lily Sale laid down a bunt single to load the bases. Terran Caldwell drove in two runs wtih a single to center field. A walk by Katie Adler loaded the bases for Grace Philp who drove in two more runs with a single. A Sara Breckbill single loaded the bases for a third time in the inning. Loren Beggs drove in the fifth run on a groundout to second base.Starter Hailey Chapman escaped bases loaded jams in the second and third innings. The Gorillas only run came in the sixth. She scattered eight hits while walking three and striking out four to move to 4-6 on the season.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1021333324&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/04-02-21-fhsu-sb-vs-psu-highlights-game-2" title="Fort Hays State SB vs. Pittsburg State Highlights (Game 2) 040221" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB vs. Pittsburg State Highlights (Game 2) 040221</a></div></div>The Tigers are back at home Saturday for a noon doubleheader with Missouri Southern State. The Lions are 14-10 and 5-3 in the MIAA.FHSU Athletics contributed to this story

🥎 Tigers sweep Gorillas in home opener

BOLIVAR, Mo. - The multi-athletes from the Fort Hays State track and field team opened competition at the SBU Bearcat Invitational Friday (April 2). Two Tigers are on pace to break school records, while a third is on track to clear the provisional mark in the heptathlon. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;completed day one with 3,121 points in the heptathlon after recording personal bests in all four events. She racked up a high of 934 points in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.32, 13-hundredths of a second off the provisional pace. She is on pace to break both the school record (4,670 points) and the NCAA DII provisional threshold (4,529). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5977">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;compiled 2,668 points on day one of her first collegiate heptathlon. She recorded personal-bests in the 100m hurdles (15.34) and the shot put (33-3.75), while her best event came at the end of the day in the 200m dash. The freshman crossed the line in 25.50, compiling 841 points. She is on track to eclipse the provisional mark. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5925">Matthew Pieper</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in the decathlon with a day-one total of 3,714 points. He opened the day with his two best events, totaling 833 points after a mark of 23-2.75 in the long jump and compiling 832 points with a time of 11.13 in the 100m dash. He is on track to break both the school record (6,642 points) and surpass the provisional standard (6,325) with five events remaining tomorrow. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;compiled 3,586 points through the first five events, including a personal-best clearance of 22-5.25 in the long jump. His best event was the 100m dash, where he crossed the line in 11.13 for 832 points. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>&nbsp;totaled 3,345 points on day one thanks to PRs in three different disciplines. The freshman posted a personal-best in the long jump with a leap of 20-10.75, in the shot put with a heave of 37-9.25 and in the 400m dash with a time of 50.46. The quintuplet of Tiger multi-athletes will wrap up competition in Bolivar on Saturday with day two of the SBU Bearcat Invitational. The rest of the FHSU track and field teams will be competing in Kearney, Neb. on Saturday at the Central Nebraska Challenge. Full FHSU Results Women's Heptathlon <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> Day 1 total - 3,121 100mH - 14.32 - 934 HJ - 5-5.0 - 795 SP - 32-5.75 - 523 200m - 25.20 - 869 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5977">Taylor Savolt</a> Day 1 total - 2,668 100mH - 15.34 - 797 HJ - 4-6.25 - 491 SP - 33-3.75 - 539 200m - 25.50 - 841 Men's Decathlon <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5925">Matthew Pieper</a> Day 1 total - 3,714 100m - 11.13 - 832 LJ - 23-2.75 - 833 SP - 38-9.0 - 595 HJ - 5-11.5 - 644 400m - 50.10 - 810 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a> Day 1 total - 3,586 100m - 11.13 - 832 LJ - 22-5.25 - 776 SP - 33-5.25 - 497 HJ - 6-0.75 - 670 400m - 50.07 - 811 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a> Day 1 total - 3,345 100m - 11.34 - 786 LJ - 20-10.75 - 668 SP - 37-9.25 - 577 HJ - 5-5.75 - 520 400m - 50.46 - 794&nbsp;&nbsp;

BOLIVAR, Mo. - The multi-athletes from the Fort Hays State track and field team opened competition at the SBU Bearcat Invitational Friday (April 2). Two Tigers are on pace to break school records, while a third is on track to clear the provisional mark in the heptathlon. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;completed day one with 3,121 points in the heptathlon after recording personal bests in all four events. She racked up a high of 934 points in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.32, 13-hundredths of a second off the provisional pace. She is on pace to break both the school record (4,670 points) and the NCAA DII provisional threshold (4,529). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5977">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;compiled 2,668 points on day one of her first collegiate heptathlon. She recorded personal-bests in the 100m hurdles (15.34) and the shot put (33-3.75), while her best event came at the end of the day in the 200m dash. The freshman crossed the line in 25.50, compiling 841 points. She is on track to eclipse the provisional mark. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5925">Matthew Pieper</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers in the decathlon with a day-one total of 3,714 points. He opened the day with his two best events, totaling 833 points after a mark of 23-2.75 in the long jump and compiling 832 points with a time of 11.13 in the 100m dash. He is on track to break both the school record (6,642 points) and surpass the provisional standard (6,325) with five events remaining tomorrow. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;compiled 3,586 points through the first five events, including a personal-best clearance of 22-5.25 in the long jump. His best event was the 100m dash, where he crossed the line in 11.13 for 832 points. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a>&nbsp;totaled 3,345 points on day one thanks to PRs in three different disciplines. The freshman posted a personal-best in the long jump with a leap of 20-10.75, in the shot put with a heave of 37-9.25 and in the 400m dash with a time of 50.46. The quintuplet of Tiger multi-athletes will wrap up competition in Bolivar on Saturday with day two of the SBU Bearcat Invitational. The rest of the FHSU track and field teams will be competing in Kearney, Neb. on Saturday at the Central Nebraska Challenge. Full FHSU Results Women's Heptathlon <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5975">Mattie Rossi</a> Day 1 total - 3,121 100mH - 14.32 - 934 HJ - 5-5.0 - 795 SP - 32-5.75 - 523 200m - 25.20 - 869 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5977">Taylor Savolt</a> Day 1 total - 2,668 100mH - 15.34 - 797 HJ - 4-6.25 - 491 SP - 33-3.75 - 539 200m - 25.50 - 841 Men's Decathlon <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5925">Matthew Pieper</a> Day 1 total - 3,714 100m - 11.13 - 832 LJ - 23-2.75 - 833 SP - 38-9.0 - 595 HJ - 5-11.5 - 644 400m - 50.10 - 810 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5934">Nolan Churchman</a> Day 1 total - 3,586 100m - 11.13 - 832 LJ - 22-5.25 - 776 SP - 33-5.25 - 497 HJ - 6-0.75 - 670 400m - 50.07 - 811 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5923">Jack Pakkebier</a> Day 1 total - 3,345 100m - 11.34 - 786 LJ - 20-10.75 - 668 SP - 37-9.25 - 577 HJ - 5-5.75 - 520 400m - 50.46 - 794&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏃‍♂️ Tiger multis off to good start at SBU Invite

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped both games of a double header to Northeastern State Friday (Apr. 2) on the road. The Tigers collected three runs on eight hits in a 13-3 loss in game one before picking up four runs on four hits in an 8-4 game two defeat. FHSU is scheduled to close out the series against NSU&nbsp;with a single game Saturday afternoon (Apr. 3). Game three is set for 1:00 p.m. tomorrow&nbsp;in Tahlequah.&nbsp; . Game One: Northeastern State 13, Fort Hays State 3 The Tigers started off game one of the series well thanks to the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6043">Grant Schmidt</a>. Schmidt homered to center field in the top of the first to give Fort Hays the early 1-0 lead. From then on, Northeastern State tacked on five runs to take a 5-1 lead in to the sixth inning. A pair of RBI singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6050">Corbin Truslow</a>&nbsp;in the sixth and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6036">Tyler Olson</a>&nbsp;in the seventh kept things interesting as the Tigers found themselves down only two runs entering the bottom of the seventh inning. The RiverHawks exploded for eight runs on five hits in their half of the seventh inning to put the Tigers away for good in game one.&nbsp; <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6026">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;(2-3) was unfortunately tabbed with the loss after a solid outing. Campbell allowed just three earned runs in five innings of work while striking out four RiverHawk batters. Schmidt finished game one 2-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored. Game Two: Northeastern State 8, Fort Hays State 4 In the second game of a double header, Northeastern State got on the board first and never looked back. The RiverHawks were able to build a seven run lead before FHSU got on the board in the eighth.&nbsp; The Tigers cut the NSU lead down to three with four runs on four walks and two bean balls in the eighth inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6057">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;put the first Tiger run on the board with a bases loaded hit-by-pitch that allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6050">Corbin Truslow</a>&nbsp;to advance home.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6047">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6018">Drake Angeron</a>&nbsp;drew back-to-back walks with the bases loaded to score two more runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6040">Jason Robertson</a>&nbsp;entered the game as a pinch hitter after Angeron's walk and was able to keep the line moving with an RBI groundout to second base. Though Fort Hays trimmed the deficit down to 7-4, the lead was too much to overcome as the RiverHawks added another run in the bottom of the eighth and taking game two of the day.&nbsp; <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6041">Ryan Ruder</a>&nbsp;(0-4) was credited with the loss after throwing four innings and allowing six runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6037">Hunter Parker</a>&nbsp;came on in the fifth&nbsp;and ate up most of the remaining innings with 3.1 innings of relief. Parker allowed just two runs on four hits and sat down three NSU batters via strikeout.

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped both games of a double header to Northeastern State Friday (Apr. 2) on the road. The Tigers collected three runs on eight hits in a 13-3 loss in game one before picking up four runs on four hits in an 8-4 game two defeat. FHSU is scheduled to close out the series against NSU&nbsp;with a single game Saturday afternoon (Apr. 3). Game three is set for 1:00 p.m. tomorrow&nbsp;in Tahlequah.&nbsp; . Game One: Northeastern State 13, Fort Hays State 3 The Tigers started off game one of the series well thanks to the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6043">Grant Schmidt</a>. Schmidt homered to center field in the top of the first to give Fort Hays the early 1-0 lead. From then on, Northeastern State tacked on five runs to take a 5-1 lead in to the sixth inning. A pair of RBI singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6050">Corbin Truslow</a>&nbsp;in the sixth and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6036">Tyler Olson</a>&nbsp;in the seventh kept things interesting as the Tigers found themselves down only two runs entering the bottom of the seventh inning. The RiverHawks exploded for eight runs on five hits in their half of the seventh inning to put the Tigers away for good in game one.&nbsp; <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6026">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;(2-3) was unfortunately tabbed with the loss after a solid outing. Campbell allowed just three earned runs in five innings of work while striking out four RiverHawk batters. Schmidt finished game one 2-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored. Game Two: Northeastern State 8, Fort Hays State 4 In the second game of a double header, Northeastern State got on the board first and never looked back. The RiverHawks were able to build a seven run lead before FHSU got on the board in the eighth.&nbsp; The Tigers cut the NSU lead down to three with four runs on four walks and two bean balls in the eighth inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6057">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;put the first Tiger run on the board with a bases loaded hit-by-pitch that allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6050">Corbin Truslow</a>&nbsp;to advance home.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6047">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6018">Drake Angeron</a>&nbsp;drew back-to-back walks with the bases loaded to score two more runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6040">Jason Robertson</a>&nbsp;entered the game as a pinch hitter after Angeron's walk and was able to keep the line moving with an RBI groundout to second base. Though Fort Hays trimmed the deficit down to 7-4, the lead was too much to overcome as the RiverHawks added another run in the bottom of the eighth and taking game two of the day.&nbsp; <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6041">Ryan Ruder</a>&nbsp;(0-4) was credited with the loss after throwing four innings and allowing six runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6037">Hunter Parker</a>&nbsp;came on in the fifth&nbsp;and ate up most of the remaining innings with 3.1 innings of relief. Parker allowed just two runs on four hits and sat down three NSU batters via strikeout.FHSU Athletics

⚾ Tigers fall twice at Northeastern State

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team dropped its final home match of the spring to Washburn on Friday, with the Ichabods winning in three sets. The Tigers are now 3-7 this spring, while Washburn moves to 13-3 in 2021. The Ichabods pulled away early to take the opening set, 25-15. Washburn looked to be running away with the second set before Fort Hays State battled back to tie things up and stay alive. The Ichabods led by six, 13-7, before a 7-1 run helped the Tigers tie the score at 14. The score was tied as late as 17-17 before Washburn took the lead for good. FHSU closed within 20-19, but the Ichabods scored the final five points to take the set,&nbsp;25-19. Washburn finished things off with a 25-18 win in set number three. The Tigers will return to the court one week from today (April 9)&nbsp;when they travel to Maryville, Mo. to take on No. 18 Northwest Missouri State. First serve is slated for 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617413880663.jpeg" alt="Jaden Daffer (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Jaden Daffer (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team dropped its final home match of the spring to Washburn on Friday, with the Ichabods winning in three sets. The Tigers are now 3-7 this spring, while Washburn moves to 13-3 in 2021. The Ichabods pulled away early to take the opening set, 25-15. Washburn looked to be running away with the second set before Fort Hays State battled back to tie things up and stay alive. The Ichabods led by six, 13-7, before a 7-1 run helped the Tigers tie the score at 14. The score was tied as late as 17-17 before Washburn took the lead for good. FHSU closed within 20-19, but the Ichabods scored the final five points to take the set,&nbsp;25-19. Washburn finished things off with a 25-18 win in set number three. The Tigers will return to the court one week from today (April 9)&nbsp;when they travel to Maryville, Mo. to take on No. 18 Northwest Missouri State. First serve is slated for 6 p.m.FHSU Athletics

🏐 Tigers fall to Washburn

LAWRENCE, Kan (AP) - Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has agreed to a new contract that will keep him with the Jayhawks until he retires, even as the school awaits a decision from an independent panel investigating five Level I infractions charges alleged by the NCAA.

The school announced Friday that Self agreed to a five-year contract that adds one additional year after the conclusion of each season — in effect, making it a lifetime contract. The deal guarantees him $5.41 million per year with a base salary of $225,000, professional services contract of $2.75 million and an annual $2.435 million retention bonus.

Self was closing in on the end of a 10-year contract signed in September 2012 that guaranteed him $52.2 million along with a $7.2 million retention bonus. That bonus will be paid in $100,000 monthly installments over seven years.

“There is no place I would rather be,” Self said in a statement. “As we continue to work through the challenges facing our program, we look forward to moving ahead and focusing on our bright future.”

Some wondered whether the 58-year-old Self would depart before the Jayhawks are potentially dealt severe sanctions tied to the FBI’s investigation corruption into college basketball. The NCAA announced the five charges along with less serious transgressions involving the football program in September 2019. The school disputed the charges, setting off a back-and-forth chain of events that still have not been resolved.

The case is now in the hands of the NCAA’s new Independent Accountability Resolution Process. The IARP is made up of arbitrators who have broad investigative powers and whose judgement is considered final.

Self’s new contract includes a clause that says the school cannot terminate him for cause “due to any current infractions matter that involves conduct that occurred on or prior to” the signing of the new contract. Instead, he would forfeit half of his base salary and professional services pay while he served any suspension handed down by the Big 12 or NCAA.

It’s unclear when the IARP will announce a decision, though most expect it sometime this fall.

“For almost 20 years, Coach Self has embodied the spirit and tradition of the University of Kansas,” Chancellor Doug Girod said. “We believe in Coach Self and we believe in the future of our program under his leadership, and we are thrilled that he will continue to be a Jayhawk for the rest of his coaching career.”

The timing of Self’s new contract is also unique in that Kansas doesn’t currently have a full-time athletic director. Jeff Long resigned las month amid pressure from fans and donors following his botched hiring of football coach Les Miles, who likewise was forced to resign when allegations of sexual harassment surfaced from his days at LSU.

With the help of an advisory panel and an outside firm, Girod is currently conducting a search for a new AD while the football team begins spring practice under interim coach Emmett Jones. The new AD will lead the search for a new coach.

With so much uncertainty, perhaps it made sense that Kansas wanted to keep Self around for the foreseeable future.

“I have known Bill for many years, but working closely with him over the past few weeks in my current role has shown me even more so on a daily basis how deeply he cares about this program,” said Kurt Watson, a longtime athletic department official and the current interim athletic director.

“We are certainly proud that he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at KU in 1985,” Watson said, “and that this new contract will ensure he finishes his coaching career here as well.”

Self, who played at Oklahoma State, started as a graduate assistant to Larry Brown with the Jayhawks before returning to his alma mater and working under Leonard Hamilton and Eddie Sutton. Self got his first head job with Oral Roberts, then headed to Tulsa, where two NCAA Tournament trips and an Elite Eight appearance earned him the job at Illinois.

Self also led the Illini to the Elite Eight during three seasons in Champaign before the job opened at Kansas.

Since his arrival in Lawrence, the Jayhawks have won at least 21 games every season — including this past one, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ended with a loss to USC in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Jayhawks have won or shared 15 conference titles during his 18 seasons and never failed to make the NCAA tourney when it was played. Eight of those trips made it to the Elite Eight or beyond, including three appearances in the Final Four and two in the national title game. Kansas beat Memphis in overtime to win the 2008 championship.

“Every day I am reminded just how fortunate I am to lead this storied program and there truly is no place else I would rather be,” Self said.

LAWRENCE, Kan (AP) - Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has agreed to a new contract that will keep him with the Jayhawks until he retires, even as the school awaits a decision from an independent panel investigating five Level I infractions charges alleged by the NCAA.The school announced Friday that Self agreed to a five-year contract that adds one additional year after the conclusion of each season — in effect, making it a lifetime contract. The deal guarantees him $5.41 million per year with a base salary of $225,000, professional services contract of $2.75 million and an annual $2.435 million retention bonus.Self was closing in on the end of a 10-year contract signed in September 2012 that guaranteed him $52.2 million along with a $7.2 million retention bonus. That bonus will be paid in $100,000 monthly installments over seven years.“There is no place I would rather be,” Self said in a statement. “As we continue to work through the challenges facing our program, we look forward to moving ahead and focusing on our bright future.”Some wondered whether the 58-year-old Self would depart before the Jayhawks are potentially dealt severe sanctions tied to the FBI’s investigation corruption into college basketball. The NCAA announced the five charges along with less serious transgressions involving the football program in September 2019. The school disputed the charges, setting off a back-and-forth chain of events that still have not been resolved.The case is now in the hands of the NCAA’s new Independent Accountability Resolution Process. The IARP is made up of arbitrators who have broad investigative powers and whose judgement is considered final.Self’s new contract includes a clause that says the school cannot terminate him for cause “due to any current infractions matter that involves conduct that occurred on or prior to” the signing of the new contract. Instead, he would forfeit half of his base salary and professional services pay while he served any suspension handed down by the Big 12 or NCAA.It’s unclear when the IARP will announce a decision, though most expect it sometime this fall.“For almost 20 years, Coach Self has embodied the spirit and tradition of the University of Kansas,” Chancellor Doug Girod said. “We believe in Coach Self and we believe in the future of our program under his leadership, and we are thrilled that he will continue to be a Jayhawk for the rest of his coaching career.”The timing of Self’s new contract is also unique in that Kansas doesn’t currently have a full-time athletic director. Jeff Long resigned las month amid pressure from fans and donors following his botched hiring of football coach Les Miles, who likewise was forced to resign when allegations of sexual harassment surfaced from his days at LSU.With the help of an advisory panel and an outside firm, Girod is currently conducting a search for a new AD while the football team begins spring practice under interim coach Emmett Jones. The new AD will lead the search for a new coach.With so much uncertainty, perhaps it made sense that Kansas wanted to keep Self around for the foreseeable future.“I have known Bill for many years, but working closely with him over the past few weeks in my current role has shown me even more so on a daily basis how deeply he cares about this program,” said Kurt Watson, a longtime athletic department official and the current interim athletic director.“We are certainly proud that he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at KU in 1985,” Watson said, “and that this new contract will ensure he finishes his coaching career here as well.”Self, who played at Oklahoma State, started as a graduate assistant to Larry Brown with the Jayhawks before returning to his alma mater and working under Leonard Hamilton and Eddie Sutton. Self got his first head job with Oral Roberts, then headed to Tulsa, where two NCAA Tournament trips and an Elite Eight appearance earned him the job at Illinois.Self also led the Illini to the Elite Eight during three seasons in Champaign before the job opened at Kansas.Since his arrival in Lawrence, the Jayhawks have won at least 21 games every season — including this past one, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ended with a loss to USC in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.The Jayhawks have won or shared 15 conference titles during his 18 seasons and never failed to make the NCAA tourney when it was played. Eight of those trips made it to the Elite Eight or beyond, including three appearances in the Final Four and two in the national title game. Kansas beat Memphis in overtime to win the 2008 championship.“Every day I am reminded just how fortunate I am to lead this storied program and there truly is no place else I would rather be,” Self said.

🏀 Kansas gives Bill Self contract to keep him until retirement

NEW YORK —Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement Friday regarding the 2021 All-Star Game:

"Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views. I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft.

"Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.

"We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities. In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward. We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566305859676.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK —Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement Friday regarding the 2021 All-Star Game:"Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views. I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft."Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support."We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities. In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward. We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”

'21 All-Star Game moved from Atlanta due to new election law

Fort Hays State (10-12, 4-2 MIAA) vs. Pittsburg State (10-16, 4-4 MIAA) Friday, April 2 - 2 &amp; 4 pm Hays, Kan. - Tiger Stadium Radio: KAYS (94.3-FM, 1400-AM) LISTEN LIVE Fort Hays State vs. Missouri Southern Saturday, April 3 - 12 &amp; 2 pm Hays, Kan. - Tiger Stadium After playing its first 22 games away from Hays, the Fort Hays State softball team will play on its home field for the first time this weekend (Apr. 2-3) in a pair of MIAA doubleheaders. The Tigers host Pittsburg State on Friday at 2 pm, followed by Missouri Southern on Saturday at 12 pm. FHSU enters the weekend at 10-12 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA. Pittsburg State carries a record of 10-16 overall and a 4-4 mark in the MIAA. Missouri Southern will start its weekend road trip on Friday at Nebraska-Kearney with a 12-10 overall record and 3-3 mark in MIAA play before coming to Hays on Saturday. Game Coverage Both doubleheaders will have live streaming and live stats. Friday's doubleheader will also have play-by-play audio with the stream. <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">Watch Live (Both Days)</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sidearmstats/softball/summary">Live Stats (Both Days)</a> Tiger Notes -FHSU has endured six weeks of action away from Hays before finally playing on its home field. -FHSU is scheduled to play 14 games at home in the month of April, all in MIAA play. -The Tigers have only eight road games remaining on their schedule. -FHSU has enjoyed a winning record at home in each of the three previous seasons. The Tigers were 4-2 at home during the abbreviated 2020 season. -<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5884">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;is the team leader in batting average (.370), RBIs (18), extra-base hits (10), slugging percentage (.534), and on-base percentage (.425). Breckbill is tied for the MIAA lead in doubles (9) with three other players. -FHSU owns a team ERA of 2.61, which ranks fourth in the MIAA.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5893">Michaelanne Nelson</a>&nbsp;ranks fourth individually among conference pitchers in ERA at 1.71. Both Nelson and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5887">Hailey Chapman</a>&nbsp;rank among the top 10 MIAA pitchers in strikeouts, Nelson fourth on the list at 61 and Chapman 10th&nbsp;on the list at 44. Chapman is third in the MIAA in innings pitched (72.0). Opponent Notes Pittsburg State The Gorillas started 4-0 in MIAA play before dropping their last four in conference play, swept in doubleheaders with Washburn and Missouri Southern. Pittsburg State lost six games in a row until Wednesday, when it swept Southwest Baptist in a non-conference doubleheader. FHSU and Pittsburg State's Division II series history has been close with Pitt State holding a 20-18 edge. The teams split a conference doubleheader in 2019 in Hays with both games decided by one run. FHSU and Pittsburg State did not meet last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Missouri Southern The Lions enter the weekend at 3-3 in MIAA play. They split a pair with Newman, dropped both of a pair with Central Oklahoma, and then most recently swept Pittsburg State. The Lions have won their last four games going into the weekend. FHSU owns a 19-14 advantage in the all-time series. The Tigers won both games of a conference doubleheader in Hays in 2019 by scores of 8-4 and 8-2. FHSU and Missouri Southern did not meet last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617295562706.jpeg" alt="Katie Adler (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Allie Schweizer)" />
 <figcaption>Katie Adler (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Allie Schweizer)</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State (10-12, 4-2 MIAA) vs. Pittsburg State (10-16, 4-4 MIAA) Friday, April 2 - 2 &amp; 4 pm Hays, Kan. - Tiger Stadium Radio: KAYS (94.3-FM, 1400-AM) LISTEN LIVE Fort Hays State vs. Missouri Southern Saturday, April 3 - 12 &amp; 2 pm Hays, Kan. - Tiger Stadium After playing its first 22 games away from Hays, the Fort Hays State softball team will play on its home field for the first time this weekend (Apr. 2-3) in a pair of MIAA doubleheaders. The Tigers host Pittsburg State on Friday at 2 pm, followed by Missouri Southern on Saturday at 12 pm. FHSU enters the weekend at 10-12 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA. Pittsburg State carries a record of 10-16 overall and a 4-4 mark in the MIAA. Missouri Southern will start its weekend road trip on Friday at Nebraska-Kearney with a 12-10 overall record and 3-3 mark in MIAA play before coming to Hays on Saturday. Game Coverage Both doubleheaders will have live streaming and live stats. Friday's doubleheader will also have play-by-play audio with the stream. <a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">Watch Live (Both Days)</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sidearmstats/softball/summary">Live Stats (Both Days)</a> Tiger Notes -FHSU has endured six weeks of action away from Hays before finally playing on its home field. -FHSU is scheduled to play 14 games at home in the month of April, all in MIAA play. -The Tigers have only eight road games remaining on their schedule. -FHSU has enjoyed a winning record at home in each of the three previous seasons. The Tigers were 4-2 at home during the abbreviated 2020 season. -<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5884">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;is the team leader in batting average (.370), RBIs (18), extra-base hits (10), slugging percentage (.534), and on-base percentage (.425). Breckbill is tied for the MIAA lead in doubles (9) with three other players. -FHSU owns a team ERA of 2.61, which ranks fourth in the MIAA.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5893">Michaelanne Nelson</a>&nbsp;ranks fourth individually among conference pitchers in ERA at 1.71. Both Nelson and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5887">Hailey Chapman</a>&nbsp;rank among the top 10 MIAA pitchers in strikeouts, Nelson fourth on the list at 61 and Chapman 10th&nbsp;on the list at 44. Chapman is third in the MIAA in innings pitched (72.0). Opponent Notes Pittsburg State The Gorillas started 4-0 in MIAA play before dropping their last four in conference play, swept in doubleheaders with Washburn and Missouri Southern. Pittsburg State lost six games in a row until Wednesday, when it swept Southwest Baptist in a non-conference doubleheader. FHSU and Pittsburg State's Division II series history has been close with Pitt State holding a 20-18 edge. The teams split a conference doubleheader in 2019 in Hays with both games decided by one run. FHSU and Pittsburg State did not meet last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Missouri Southern The Lions enter the weekend at 3-3 in MIAA play. They split a pair with Newman, dropped both of a pair with Central Oklahoma, and then most recently swept Pittsburg State. The Lions have won their last four games going into the weekend. FHSU owns a 19-14 advantage in the all-time series. The Tigers won both games of a conference doubleheader in Hays in 2019 by scores of 8-4 and 8-2. FHSU and Missouri Southern did not meet last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎📻 Home at last: Tigers host Pitt State and Missouri Southern

McCOOK, Neb. - Jaren Kanak won four gold medals to lead the Hays High boys track and field team at their season opening meet.

The Indian boys finished second and the girls third at the McCook Invitational.

Kanak won the 100 meter, 200 meters, long jump and was the anchor leg of the 4x100 meter relay team. Kanak ran a 10.66 in the 100, 22.16 in the 200 and went 22' 5 1/4" in the long jump

Other first place finishes for the boys included Jordan Dale who cleared 6'3" in the high jump, Carson Russell won the discus with a toss of 109'0", Ben Pfeifer who went 39'10 3/4" in the triple jump champ, Diego Muller in the 400 with a time of 54.05 and the 4x100 meter relay team of Logan Casper, Trent Summers, Roy Moroni and Kanak finished with a time of&nbsp;44.69.

Reanna Green paced the Indian girls with three golds medals. Green won the long jump (17'0") and triple jump (34'10") and was on the first place 4x100 relay team.

Brooklyn Schaffer was also on the winning 4x100 relay team and added a gold medal in the 300 hurdles (48.63).

The winning relay team also included Landri Dotts and Kacy Dinkel and had a time of&nbsp;51.91.

Below is a list of the HHS top-six finishes.

HHS Boys Results 
High Jump 
1st – Jordan Dale – 6-03.00 
4th – Roy Moroni – 5-09.00

Pole Vault 
3rd – Tucker Veach – 13-00.00

Long Jump 
1st – Jaren Kanak – 22-05.25 
2nd – Kyler Beckman – 21-03.25 
4th – Roy Moroni – 20-05.00

Discus 
1st – Carson Russell – 109-00

Shot Put 
3rd – Gaven Haselhorst – 48-08.00 
4th – Trey Adams – 47-03.00

Triple Jump 
1st – Ben Pfeifer – 39-10.75 
3rd – Ty Adams – 35-06.50

4x800 Relay 
4th – Leo Hernandez, Elijah McCullough, Tynan Dempsey, Landon Viegra

400 Meters Dash 
1st – Diego Muller – 54.05 
5th – Brent Orth – 56.84

3200 Meter Run 
6th – Matthew Dempsey – 12:11.85

110 Meter Hurdles 
2nd – Ty Adams – 17.48 
3rd – Roy Moroni – 17.69 
4th – Gavin Meyers – 18.11

100 Meter Dash 
1st – Jaren Kanak – 10.66

300 Meter Hurdles 
4th – Gavin Meyers – 45.47

200 Meter Dash 
1st – Jaren Kanak – 22.16 
6th – Trent Summers – 24.70

4x100 Relay 
1st – 44.69 (Logan Casper, Trent Summers, Roy Moroni, Jaren Kanak)

4x400 Relay 
2nd – 3:43.70 (Brent Orth, Kyler Beckman, Gavin Meyers, Diego Muller)

HHS Girls Results 
High Jump 
5th – Amy Ruder – 4-08.00 
6th – Lilian McGrath – 4-06.00

Long Jump 
1st – Reanna Green – 17-00.00 
6th – Lilian McGrath – 14-06.00

Discus 
5th – Halle Lohmeyer – 105-07

Shot Put 
6th – Jillyan Sheldon – 31-05.00

Triple Jump 
1st – Reanna Green – 34-10.00 
5th – Landri Dotts – 30-10.00

4x800 Relay 
4th – Avery Winter, Jaycine Watson, Claire Shippy, Julia Zadina

400 Meter Dash 
6th – Amelia Jaeger – 1:08.30

3200 Meter Run 
3rd – Brenlynn Albers – 13:42.09 
4th – Drynn Kinderknecht – 13:45.24 
5th – Landri Dotts – 13:56.34

100 Meter Hurdles 
3rd – Brooklyn Lewallen – 17.78

300 Meter Hurdles 
1st – Brooklyn Schaffer – 48.63 
3rd – Brooklyn Lewallen – 51.61

200 Meter Dash 
3rd – Reanna Green – 27.29 
4th – Lilian McGrath – 27.96

1600 Meter Run 
5th – Amelia Jaeger – 6:14.15

4x100 Relay 
1st – 51.91 (Landri Dotts, Brooklyn Schaffer, Kacy Dinkel, Reanna Green)

4x400 Relay 
4th – Landri Dotts, Amelia Jaeger, Brooklyn Schaffer, Brooklyn Lewallen

McCOOK, Neb. - Jaren Kanak won four gold medals to lead the Hays High boys track and field team at their season opening meet.The Indian boys finished second and the girls third at the McCook Invitational.Kanak won the 100 meter, 200 meters, long jump and was the anchor leg of the 4x100 meter relay team. Kanak ran a 10.66 in the 100, 22.16 in the 200 and went 22' 5 1/4" in the long jumpOther first place finishes for the boys included Jordan Dale who cleared 6'3" in the high jump, Carson Russell won the discus with a toss of 109'0", Ben Pfeifer who went 39'10 3/4" in the triple jump champ, Diego Muller in the 400 with a time of 54.05 and the 4x100 meter relay team of Logan Casper, Trent Summers, Roy Moroni and Kanak finished with a time of&nbsp;44.69.Reanna Green paced the Indian girls with three golds medals. Green won the long jump (17'0") and triple jump (34'10") and was on the first place 4x100 relay team.Brooklyn Schaffer was also on the winning 4x100 relay team and added a gold medal in the 300 hurdles (48.63).The winning relay team also included Landri Dotts and Kacy Dinkel and had a time of&nbsp;51.91.Below is a list of the HHS top-six finishes.HHS Boys Results 
High Jump 
1st – Jordan Dale – 6-03.00 
4th – Roy Moroni – 5-09.00Pole Vault 
3rd – Tucker Veach – 13-00.00Long Jump 
1st – Jaren Kanak – 22-05.25 
2nd – Kyler Beckman – 21-03.25 
4th – Roy Moroni – 20-05.00Discus 
1st – Carson Russell – 109-00Shot Put 
3rd – Gaven Haselhorst – 48-08.00 
4th – Trey Adams – 47-03.00Triple Jump 
1st – Ben Pfeifer – 39-10.75 
3rd – Ty Adams – 35-06.504x800 Relay 
4th – Leo Hernandez, Elijah McCullough, Tynan Dempsey, Landon Viegra400 Meters Dash 
1st – Diego Muller – 54.05 
5th – Brent Orth – 56.843200 Meter Run 
6th – Matthew Dempsey – 12:11.85110 Meter Hurdles 
2nd – Ty Adams – 17.48 
3rd – Roy Moroni – 17.69 
4th – Gavin Meyers – 18.11100 Meter Dash 
1st – Jaren Kanak – 10.66300 Meter Hurdles 
4th – Gavin Meyers – 45.47200 Meter Dash 
1st – Jaren Kanak – 22.16 
6th – Trent Summers – 24.704x100 Relay 
1st – 44.69 (Logan Casper, Trent Summers, Roy Moroni, Jaren Kanak)4x400 Relay 
2nd – 3:43.70 (Brent Orth, Kyler Beckman, Gavin Meyers, Diego Muller)HHS Girls Results 
High Jump 
5th – Amy Ruder – 4-08.00 
6th – Lilian McGrath – 4-06.00Long Jump 
1st – Reanna Green – 17-00.00 
6th – Lilian McGrath – 14-06.00Discus 
5th – Halle Lohmeyer – 105-07Shot Put 
6th – Jillyan Sheldon – 31-05.00Triple Jump 
1st – Reanna Green – 34-10.00 
5th – Landri Dotts – 30-10.004x800 Relay 
4th – Avery Winter, Jaycine Watson, Claire Shippy, Julia Zadina400 Meter Dash 
6th – Amelia Jaeger – 1:08.303200 Meter Run 
3rd – Brenlynn Albers – 13:42.09 
4th – Drynn Kinderknecht – 13:45.24 
5th – Landri Dotts – 13:56.34100 Meter Hurdles 
3rd – Brooklyn Lewallen – 17.78300 Meter Hurdles 
1st – Brooklyn Schaffer – 48.63 
3rd – Brooklyn Lewallen – 51.61200 Meter Dash 
3rd – Reanna Green – 27.29 
4th – Lilian McGrath – 27.961600 Meter Run 
5th – Amelia Jaeger – 6:14.154x100 Relay 
1st – 51.91 (Landri Dotts, Brooklyn Schaffer, Kacy Dinkel, Reanna Green)4x400 Relay 
4th – Landri Dotts, Amelia Jaeger, Brooklyn Schaffer, Brooklyn Lewallen

🏃‍♂️ Kanak wins four golds to lead HHS in first meet of the season

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State women's soccer team downed Central Oklahoma with a 2-0 shutout victory Thursday evening (Apr. 1) in Hays. With the victory, the Tigers improve their spring record to 2-1-1. Fort Hays State scored twice in the first half to ensure victory. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5760">Jersey Garoutte</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers get on the board with a goal in the 23rd minute. Garoutte was in a tough spot near the end line with defenders surrounding her. She made a couple quick moves and chipped a shot over the goalkeeper from a tough angle. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5558">Macy Decker</a>&nbsp;doubled the Tiger lead just with less than 10 minutes in the half.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5571">Amanda Rapaduski</a>&nbsp;had the ball in the box and found a wide open Decker who netted her first goal of the spring to put the Tigers ahead 2-0.&nbsp; The defense locked down and did their part to halt any chance of a UCO comeback the rest of the match. Goalkeepers&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5570">Deonna Wellbrock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5766">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;combined to keep Central Oklahoma off the board for 90 minutes.&nbsp; Fort Hays State will head north for a rematch with Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday (Apr. 3). The last time the Tigers and Lopers met this spring, FHSU&nbsp;exploded for four goals in a 4-0 victory. The rematch on Saturday is scheduled for 1:00 pm in Kearney, Neb. The match Saturday begins MIAA divisional play for the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617329316938.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State women's soccer team downed Central Oklahoma with a 2-0 shutout victory Thursday evening (Apr. 1) in Hays. With the victory, the Tigers improve their spring record to 2-1-1. Fort Hays State scored twice in the first half to ensure victory. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5760">Jersey Garoutte</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers get on the board with a goal in the 23rd minute. Garoutte was in a tough spot near the end line with defenders surrounding her. She made a couple quick moves and chipped a shot over the goalkeeper from a tough angle. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5558">Macy Decker</a>&nbsp;doubled the Tiger lead just with less than 10 minutes in the half.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5571">Amanda Rapaduski</a>&nbsp;had the ball in the box and found a wide open Decker who netted her first goal of the spring to put the Tigers ahead 2-0.&nbsp; The defense locked down and did their part to halt any chance of a UCO comeback the rest of the match. Goalkeepers&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5570">Deonna Wellbrock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5766">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;combined to keep Central Oklahoma off the board for 90 minutes.&nbsp; Fort Hays State will head north for a rematch with Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday (Apr. 3). The last time the Tigers and Lopers met this spring, FHSU&nbsp;exploded for four goals in a 4-0 victory. The rematch on Saturday is scheduled for 1:00 pm in Kearney, Neb. The match Saturday begins MIAA divisional play for the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⚽ Tiger women record third shutout, beat Bronchos

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team rallied to force a fourth set before falling to No. 11 Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday (April 1), 3-1. The Tigers are now 3-6 this spring while the Lopers are 11-2 in 2021. The teams traded the lead for much of the first set before UNK pulled away late, winning 25-20. The Lopers took care of business again in the second set, winning 25-16. Fort Hays State fought back to stay alive with a 25-21 win in the third set. The Lopers led by as many as six midway through the set, 15-9, before the Tigers went on a 9-1 run to race in front, 18-16. Fort Hays State held on to win thanks to multiple big kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6084">Delaney Humm</a>. The Lopers went on to finish things off with a 25-15 win in the fourth set. The Tigers will play at home for the final time this spring on Friday (April 2) when they host Washburn beginning at 5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617329012822.jpeg" alt="Delany Humm (Courtesy FHSU Athletic s, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Delany Humm (Courtesy FHSU Athletic s, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team rallied to force a fourth set before falling to No. 11 Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday (April 1), 3-1. The Tigers are now 3-6 this spring while the Lopers are 11-2 in 2021. The teams traded the lead for much of the first set before UNK pulled away late, winning 25-20. The Lopers took care of business again in the second set, winning 25-16. Fort Hays State fought back to stay alive with a 25-21 win in the third set. The Lopers led by as many as six midway through the set, 15-9, before the Tigers went on a 9-1 run to race in front, 18-16. Fort Hays State held on to win thanks to multiple big kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6084">Delaney Humm</a>. The Lopers went on to finish things off with a 25-15 win in the fourth set. The Tigers will play at home for the final time this spring on Friday (April 2) when they host Washburn beginning at 5 p.m.FHSU Athletics

🏐 Tigers fall to No. 11 Lopers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor homered, drove in three runs and threw out two players at the plate from center field, leading the Kansas City Royals past the Texas Rangers 14-10 in a wild season opener Thursday.

Each team scored five times in the first inning of a game that took 4 hours, 26 minutes. The first seven Rangers batters reached safely — on six hits and a walk — but Kansas City roared back with the help of home runs by Jorge Soler and Whit Merrifield.

Taylor, who spent his first seven seasons with Washington, had three hits and three RBIs in a do-it-all debut for the Royals. Kyle Isbel had three hits and two RBIs in his first major league game. Merrifield also got three hits, scored twice and knocked in two.

Kansas City set a club record for runs on opening day, surpassing its previous high of 11 in 1979, as both pitching staffs struggled. The teams combined for 30 hits, 17 walks, 14 pitchers, 26 runners left on and 402 total pitches.

Carlos Hernandez (1-0) struck out five in three innings of two-run relief for his first career win. Wade Davis whiffed two batters for a save in his return to the Royals.

Both starting pitchers were ineffective. Brad Keller recorded his first out for Kansas City on his 30th pitch and was charged with six runs and nine hits in 1 1/3 innings. Kyle Gibson got his only out of the day on his 27th pitch and allowed five runs and four hits.

Texas jumped on Keller right away. Isiah Kiner-Falefa and David Dahl doubled. After a walk to Joey Gallo loaded the bases, an infield single by Nick Solak scored one. Nate Lowe hit a three-run double to the opposite field and scored on a single by Eli White.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rangers became the second team since 1961 to open a season 6 for 6 (the 1995 World Series champion Atlanta Braves were the other).

Keller’s defense saved him from further damage. New left fielder Andrew Benintendi leaped against the wall in foul territory to snare the first out. Taylor cut down Brock Holt at home plate for the second out of the first inning.

The Royals got to Gibson just as quickly in the bottom of the first. Merrifield and Benintendi singled to open the inning, followed by consecutive walks to Carlos Santana, Salvador Perez and Soler. With one out, Isbel and Taylor singled in runs. Nicky Lopez drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly.

The Rangers regained the lead in the second and scored two more in the third, but Taylor’s second outfield assist kept it from getting worse. Taylor then showed some pop with a 402-foot homer to right-center. Santana drove in Lopez with a single.

The Royals added three more in the fourth to take the lead. Soler led off with a 435-foot homer, and Taylor and Merrifield added RBIs.

The Rangers scored their ninth run in the sixth on an infield hit by White. The Royals got three more in the seventh on just one hit. The RBIs came on a hit batter, a fielder’s choice and an infield hit.

Merrifield homered in the eighth. The Rangers got an unearned run in the ninth before Davis closed it out.

Rangers: RHP Demarcus Evans, LHP Brock Burke, LHP Brett Martin, LHP Joely Rodríguez, C Sam Huff, OF Willie Calhoun and OF Khris Davis were placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to March 29.

Royals: SS Adalberto Mondesi went on the 10-day IL with a right oblique strain on Wednesday. ... 3B Hunter Dozier left the game with a bruised right thumb.

The Rangers selected the contracts of RHP Matt Bush and INF Charlie Culberson from Triple-A Round Rock. LHP Kolby Allard was recalled from Round Rock. RHP Demarcus Evans (right lat strain) was placed on the injured list. RHP Hunter Wood and LHP Hyeon-jong Yang were assigned to the alternate training site.

Isbel and Royals LHP Jake Brentz were selected to the roster. C Meibrys Viloria and RHP Scott Blewett were designated for assignment.

RHP Kohei Arihara makes his Rangers debut when the teams resume their series Saturday.

LHP Mike Minor returns to the Royals after spending the past three seasons with Texas and Oakland. He was 6-6 with a 2.55 ERA for Kansas City in 2017.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael A. Taylor homered, drove in three runs and threw out two players at the plate from center field, leading the Kansas City Royals past the Texas Rangers 14-10 in a wild season opener Thursday.Each team scored five times in the first inning of a game that took 4 hours, 26 minutes. The first seven Rangers batters reached safely — on six hits and a walk — but Kansas City roared back with the help of home runs by Jorge Soler and Whit Merrifield.Taylor, who spent his first seven seasons with Washington, had three hits and three RBIs in a do-it-all debut for the Royals. Kyle Isbel had three hits and two RBIs in his first major league game. Merrifield also got three hits, scored twice and knocked in two.Kansas City set a club record for runs on opening day, surpassing its previous high of 11 in 1979, as both pitching staffs struggled. The teams combined for 30 hits, 17 walks, 14 pitchers, 26 runners left on and 402 total pitches.Carlos Hernandez (1-0) struck out five in three innings of two-run relief for his first career win. Wade Davis whiffed two batters for a save in his return to the Royals.Kyle Cody (0-1) took the loss.Both starting pitchers were ineffective. Brad Keller recorded his first out for Kansas City on his 30th pitch and was charged with six runs and nine hits in 1 1/3 innings. Kyle Gibson got his only out of the day on his 27th pitch and allowed five runs and four hits.Texas jumped on Keller right away. Isiah Kiner-Falefa and David Dahl doubled. After a walk to Joey Gallo loaded the bases, an infield single by Nick Solak scored one. Nate Lowe hit a three-run double to the opposite field and scored on a single by Eli White.According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rangers became the second team since 1961 to open a season 6 for 6 (the 1995 World Series champion Atlanta Braves were the other).Keller’s defense saved him from further damage. New left fielder Andrew Benintendi leaped against the wall in foul territory to snare the first out. Taylor cut down Brock Holt at home plate for the second out of the first inning.The Royals got to Gibson just as quickly in the bottom of the first. Merrifield and Benintendi singled to open the inning, followed by consecutive walks to Carlos Santana, Salvador Perez and Soler. With one out, Isbel and Taylor singled in runs. Nicky Lopez drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly.The Rangers regained the lead in the second and scored two more in the third, but Taylor’s second outfield assist kept it from getting worse. Taylor then showed some pop with a 402-foot homer to right-center. Santana drove in Lopez with a single.The Royals added three more in the fourth to take the lead. Soler led off with a 435-foot homer, and Taylor and Merrifield added RBIs.The Rangers scored their ninth run in the sixth on an infield hit by White. The Royals got three more in the seventh on just one hit. The RBIs came on a hit batter, a fielder’s choice and an infield hit.Merrifield homered in the eighth. The Rangers got an unearned run in the ninth before Davis closed it out.TRAINER’S ROOMRangers: RHP Demarcus Evans, LHP Brock Burke, LHP Brett Martin, LHP Joely Rodríguez, C Sam Huff, OF Willie Calhoun and OF Khris Davis were placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to March 29.Royals: SS Adalberto Mondesi went on the 10-day IL with a right oblique strain on Wednesday. ... 3B Hunter Dozier left the game with a bruised right thumb.ROSTER NEWSThe Rangers selected the contracts of RHP Matt Bush and INF Charlie Culberson from Triple-A Round Rock. LHP Kolby Allard was recalled from Round Rock. RHP Demarcus Evans (right lat strain) was placed on the injured list. RHP Hunter Wood and LHP Hyeon-jong Yang were assigned to the alternate training site.Isbel and Royals LHP Jake Brentz were selected to the roster. C Meibrys Viloria and RHP Scott Blewett were designated for assignment.UP NEXTRHP Kohei Arihara makes his Rangers debut when the teams resume their series Saturday.LHP Mike Minor returns to the Royals after spending the past three seasons with Texas and Oakland. He was 6-6 with a 2.55 ERA for Kansas City in 2017.

⚾ Royals outslug Rangers in wild season opener

ABILENE, Kan. - The Hays High
softball team opened their season with a pair of wins over Abilene Thursday.
The Indians scored six in the top of the first and won the opener 13-4. They had to rally to take the second game 10-6.

Aubree Thomas
threw two complete games and picked up the win in the circle for both as the
Indians open their season 2-0.

Game 1: Hays 13,
Abilene 4 
Madyson Sennett had three hits and Dezerea Schmidt drove in three runs. Morgen
Berry, Lakyn Zimmerman, Elle Dreiling and Reagan Winter all drove in two runs.

Aubree Thomas picked
up the complete game victory. She allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits
with eight strikeouts and no walks.

Game 2: Hays
10, Abilene 6 The Indians
trailed 6-4 after five innings but rallied with five runs in the sixth inning and one in
the seventh.

Dezerea Schmidt doubled to right scored Raegan Winter and Ashlyn Zimmer
to toe the game with one out in the sixth. Morgen Berry then followed with a
single to center to drive in Schmidt. Madyson Sennett capped off the inning
with a two-out triple to center which scored Berry.

Schmidt had two
hits and drove in three. Berry had three hits and drove in two. Sennett also
finished with two RBIs.

Thomas went the
distance for the win allowing six runs (three earned) on seven hits with 10
strikeouts and two walks.

ABILENE, Kan. - The Hays High
softball team opened their season with a pair of wins over Abilene Thursday.
The Indians scored six in the top of the first and won the opener 13-4. They had to rally to take the second game 10-6.Aubree Thomas
threw two complete games and picked up the win in the circle for both as the
Indians open their season 2-0.HHS plays at Dodge City Tuesday.Game 1: Hays 13,
Abilene 4 
Madyson Sennett had three hits and Dezerea Schmidt drove in three runs. Morgen
Berry, Lakyn Zimmerman, Elle Dreiling and Reagan Winter all drove in two runs.Aubree Thomas picked
up the complete game victory. She allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits
with eight strikeouts and no walks.Game 2: Hays
10, Abilene 6 The Indians
trailed 6-4 after five innings but rallied with five runs in the sixth inning and one in
the seventh. Dezerea Schmidt doubled to right scored Raegan Winter and Ashlyn Zimmer
to toe the game with one out in the sixth. Morgen Berry then followed with a
single to center to drive in Schmidt. Madyson Sennett capped off the inning
with a two-out triple to center which scored Berry.Schmidt had two
hits and drove in three. Berry had three hits and drove in two. Sennett also
finished with two RBIs.Thomas went the
distance for the win allowing six runs (three earned) on seven hits with 10
strikeouts and two walks.

🥎 HHS opens season with a pair of wins in Abilene

McPHERSON, Kan. - The Hays High
girls’ soccer teams came up short against Topeka High in the fifth-place match of the&nbsp; McPherson Invitational Thursday. 

The contest took two overtimes, two rounds of
penalty kicks then a tie-breaker of one kick each before it was decided. 

TMP-Marian improved to 2-1. The Monarchs beat Great Bend 2-0 at home Thursday.

McPHERSON, Kan. - The Hays High
girls’ soccer teams came up short against Topeka High in the fifth-place match of the&nbsp; McPherson Invitational Thursday. The contest took two overtimes, two rounds of
penalty kicks then a tie-breaker of one kick each before it was decided. The
Indians are now 1-2 on the seasonTMP-Marian improved to 2-1. The Monarchs beat Great Bend 2-0 at home Thursday.

⚽ HHS girls come up short against Topeka High; TMP-Marian wins

CHAPEL HILL—<a href="https://goheels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=3643">Roy Williams</a>, who led the University of North Carolina to three NCAA championships, is retiring after 33 seasons and 903 wins as a college basketball head coach, according to a media release from the school. The 2007 Naismith Hall of Fame inductee will address the media at a press conference on&nbsp;<a href="https://goheels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=3643">Roy Williams</a>&nbsp;Court at the Dean E. Smith Center today (Thursday, April 1) at 4 p.m. The press conference is closed to the public. Fans may watch at&nbsp;<a href="http://goheels.com/">GoHeels.com</a>. Williams, a 1972 UNC graduate, just concluded his 18th&nbsp;season as the head coach at his alma mater. In addition to NCAA titles in 2005, 2009 and 2017, he led the Tar Heels to a 485-163 record, two other Final Fours, nine ACC regular-season championships and three ACC Tournament crowns. ROY WILLIAMS' CAREER HIGHLIGHTS • 48 seasons as a basketball coach, including 33 seasons as a college head coach (18 at UNC, 15 at Kansas), 10 as assistant coach at UNC and five as head coach at Owen High School in Black Mountain, N.C. • 2007 inductee to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame • Third all-time in wins by a Division I head coach with 903 • Reached 900 wins in fewer games (1,161) and seasons (33) than any coach in NCAA history • 903 wins in 33 seasons is 100 more than any other coach in NCAA history (803 by Mike Krzyzewski, 802 by Dean Smith) • Second-winningest coach in UNC history and third in Kansas history • Only coach in history with 400 wins at two schools • Sixth-highest winning percentage (.774) in NCAA history • Led UNC to three NCAA championships (2005, 2009, 2017) • Third to take teams to the NCAA Tournament at least 30 times • Consensus National Coach of the Decade (2000-09) • Led UNC and Kansas to nine Final Fours, fourth most all-time • Second in NCAA Tournament wins (79), second in No. 1 seeds (13), second in games (105),&nbsp;third in NCAA Tournament winning percentage (.745)&nbsp;and tied for fourth in NCAA championships • NCAA-record eight wins over Associated Press No. 1-ranked teams • Second in NCAA history in 30-win seasons (12) and tied for fourth in 20-win seasons (29) • Tied for fifth all-time with 18 regular-season conference championships • Third all-time in ACC regular-season wins (212) • Third-most ACC road wins (93) and fourth-highest ACC road winning percentage all-time (.604) • Second-most wins (208) in first 300 ACC regular-season games • 32 NBA first-round draft picks (22 at UNC, 10 at Kansas) • 52 former players in the NBA • Four National Players of the Year, six ACC Scholar-Athletes of the Year, 10 consensus first-team All-Americas, 17 first-team All-Americas and three Bob Cousy Award winners • Only coach to coach two Academic All-Americas of the Year (Jacque Vaughn at Kansas, Tyler Zeller at UNC) THE WILLIAMS RECORD Overall:&nbsp;903-264, 33 seasons (.774) Record at UNC:&nbsp;485-163, 18 seasons (.748) NCAA Championships (3):&nbsp;2005, 2009, 2017 at UNC Final Fours (9):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017 at UNC NCAA Tournament:&nbsp;79-27 (.745) NCAA Tournament at UNC:&nbsp;45-13 (.776) NCAA Finals:&nbsp;3-3 NCAA Finals at UNC:&nbsp;3-1 National Championship Games (6):&nbsp;1991, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2009, 2016, 2017 at UNC National Semifinals:&nbsp;6-3 National Semifinals at UNC:&nbsp;4-1 NCAA Elite 8s (13):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017 at UNC NCAA Elite 8:&nbsp;9-4 (5-3 at UNC) NCAA Sweet 16s (19):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 at UNC NCAA Sweet 16:&nbsp;13-6 (8-2 at UNC) NCAA 2nd Round:&nbsp;19-10 (10-5 at UNC) NCAA 1st Round:&nbsp;29-1 (15-1 at UNC) Conference Regular-Season Titles (18):&nbsp;1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019 at UNC ACC Regular-Season:&nbsp;212-94 (.693) ACC Home:&nbsp;119-33 (.783) ACC Road:&nbsp;93-61 (.604) ACC Tournament:&nbsp;29-15 (.659) ACC Tournament Titles (3):&nbsp;2007, 2008, 2016 Conference Tournaments Titles (7):&nbsp;1992, 1997, 1998, 1999 at Kansas; 2007, 2008, 2016 at UNC Conference Tournaments (ACC and Big 8/12):&nbsp;52-25 Home:&nbsp;444-57 (.886) Home UNC Record:&nbsp;243-41 (.856) Smith Center UNC Record:&nbsp;241-40 (.858) Away UNC Record:&nbsp;123-77 (.615) Against Ranked Teams (AP poll):&nbsp;164-134 (most recent vs. Florida State, 3/12/21) Against No. 1-Ranked Teams:&nbsp;8-8

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617287188189.png" alt="Coach Roy Williams courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Coach Roy Williams courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CHAPEL HILL—<a href="https://goheels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=3643">Roy Williams</a>, who led the University of North Carolina to three NCAA championships, is retiring after 33 seasons and 903 wins as a college basketball head coach, according to a media release from the school. The 2007 Naismith Hall of Fame inductee will address the media at a press conference on&nbsp;<a href="https://goheels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=3643">Roy Williams</a>&nbsp;Court at the Dean E. Smith Center today (Thursday, April 1) at 4 p.m. The press conference is closed to the public. Fans may watch at&nbsp;<a href="http://goheels.com/">GoHeels.com</a>. Williams, a 1972 UNC graduate, just concluded his 18th&nbsp;season as the head coach at his alma mater. In addition to NCAA titles in 2005, 2009 and 2017, he led the Tar Heels to a 485-163 record, two other Final Fours, nine ACC regular-season championships and three ACC Tournament crowns. ROY WILLIAMS' CAREER HIGHLIGHTS • 48 seasons as a basketball coach, including 33 seasons as a college head coach (18 at UNC, 15 at Kansas), 10 as assistant coach at UNC and five as head coach at Owen High School in Black Mountain, N.C. • 2007 inductee to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame • Third all-time in wins by a Division I head coach with 903 • Reached 900 wins in fewer games (1,161) and seasons (33) than any coach in NCAA history • 903 wins in 33 seasons is 100 more than any other coach in NCAA history (803 by Mike Krzyzewski, 802 by Dean Smith) • Second-winningest coach in UNC history and third in Kansas history • Only coach in history with 400 wins at two schools • Sixth-highest winning percentage (.774) in NCAA history • Led UNC to three NCAA championships (2005, 2009, 2017) • Third to take teams to the NCAA Tournament at least 30 times • Consensus National Coach of the Decade (2000-09) • Led UNC and Kansas to nine Final Fours, fourth most all-time • Second in NCAA Tournament wins (79), second in No. 1 seeds (13), second in games (105),&nbsp;third in NCAA Tournament winning percentage (.745)&nbsp;and tied for fourth in NCAA championships • NCAA-record eight wins over Associated Press No. 1-ranked teams • Second in NCAA history in 30-win seasons (12) and tied for fourth in 20-win seasons (29) • Tied for fifth all-time with 18 regular-season conference championships • Third all-time in ACC regular-season wins (212) • Third-most ACC road wins (93) and fourth-highest ACC road winning percentage all-time (.604) • Second-most wins (208) in first 300 ACC regular-season games • 32 NBA first-round draft picks (22 at UNC, 10 at Kansas) • 52 former players in the NBA • Four National Players of the Year, six ACC Scholar-Athletes of the Year, 10 consensus first-team All-Americas, 17 first-team All-Americas and three Bob Cousy Award winners • Only coach to coach two Academic All-Americas of the Year (Jacque Vaughn at Kansas, Tyler Zeller at UNC) THE WILLIAMS RECORD Overall:&nbsp;903-264, 33 seasons (.774) Record at UNC:&nbsp;485-163, 18 seasons (.748) NCAA Championships (3):&nbsp;2005, 2009, 2017 at UNC Final Fours (9):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017 at UNC NCAA Tournament:&nbsp;79-27 (.745) NCAA Tournament at UNC:&nbsp;45-13 (.776) NCAA Finals:&nbsp;3-3 NCAA Finals at UNC:&nbsp;3-1 National Championship Games (6):&nbsp;1991, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2009, 2016, 2017 at UNC National Semifinals:&nbsp;6-3 National Semifinals at UNC:&nbsp;4-1 NCAA Elite 8s (13):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017 at UNC NCAA Elite 8:&nbsp;9-4 (5-3 at UNC) NCAA Sweet 16s (19):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 at UNC NCAA Sweet 16:&nbsp;13-6 (8-2 at UNC) NCAA 2nd Round:&nbsp;19-10 (10-5 at UNC) NCAA 1st Round:&nbsp;29-1 (15-1 at UNC) Conference Regular-Season Titles (18):&nbsp;1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019 at UNC ACC Regular-Season:&nbsp;212-94 (.693) ACC Home:&nbsp;119-33 (.783) ACC Road:&nbsp;93-61 (.604) ACC Tournament:&nbsp;29-15 (.659) ACC Tournament Titles (3):&nbsp;2007, 2008, 2016 Conference Tournaments Titles (7):&nbsp;1992, 1997, 1998, 1999 at Kansas; 2007, 2008, 2016 at UNC Conference Tournaments (ACC and Big 8/12):&nbsp;52-25 Home:&nbsp;444-57 (.886) Home UNC Record:&nbsp;243-41 (.856) Smith Center UNC Record:&nbsp;241-40 (.858) Away UNC Record:&nbsp;123-77 (.615) Against Ranked Teams (AP poll):&nbsp;164-134 (most recent vs. Florida State, 3/12/21) Against No. 1-Ranked Teams:&nbsp;8-8

🏀 Former KU coach Roy Williams announces retirement

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Oft-injured Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi will begin the season on the injured list with a right oblique strain, leaving Kansas City without one of its most exciting players when it opens the season against the Texas Rangers on Thursday.

Mondesi was put on the injured list Wednesday retroactive to the previous day. Nicky Lopez was recalled from the club’s alternate training site in Arkansas after he was sent there following a poor spring training at the plate.

Mondesi hit .256 with a league-leading 24 stolen bases in 59 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Lopez was competing for the second base job but is now likely to share shortstop duties with Hanser Alberto, who made the opening day roster after joining the Royals as a non-roster invitee for spring. Alberto and Whit Merrifield are expected to get the bulk of playing time at second, with Merrifield also spending time in the outfield.

Right-hander Brad Keller will take the mound for his second opening day start for Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Oft-injured Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi will begin the season on the injured list with a right oblique strain, leaving Kansas City without one of its most exciting players when it opens the season against the Texas Rangers on Thursday.Mondesi was put on the injured list Wednesday retroactive to the previous day. Nicky Lopez was recalled from the club’s alternate training site in Arkansas after he was sent there following a poor spring training at the plate.Mondesi hit .256 with a league-leading 24 stolen bases in 59 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.Lopez was competing for the second base job but is now likely to share shortstop duties with Hanser Alberto, who made the opening day roster after joining the Royals as a non-roster invitee for spring. Alberto and Whit Merrifield are expected to get the bulk of playing time at second, with Merrifield also spending time in the outfield.Right-hander Brad Keller will take the mound for his second opening day start for Kansas City.

⚾ Royals put SS Adalberto Mondesi on IL to begin season

After graduating eight seniors following the pandemic shortened season of 2020 the TMP-Marian baseball team returns just one starter from 2019.

Coach Aaron Breit enters his third season as head coach of the Monarchs. TMP finished 15-5 in his first season and lost in the sub-state semifinals to Concordia.

Senior Jace Wentling is the lone returning starter for the Monarchs.&nbsp;

He was fourth on the team with a .348 batting average and second on the team with 33 runs scored.

In the first year of a two-year co-op with LaCrosse High School, seven athletes from LaCrosse will join 16 TMP players to make up this year's Monarchs squad.

The Monarchs junior varsity will open the season on Monday, April 5th with the varsity hosing Colby on April 6th.

After graduating eight seniors following the pandemic shortened season of 2020 the TMP-Marian baseball team returns just one starter from 2019.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1016359948&color=%23003169&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/3-24-21-tmp-baseball-coach-aaron-breit" title="3-24-21 - TMP baseball coach Aaron Breit" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3-24-21 - TMP baseball coach Aaron Breit</a></div></div>Coach Aaron Breit enters his third season as head coach of the Monarchs. TMP finished 15-5 in his first season and lost in the sub-state semifinals to Concordia.Senior Jace Wentling is the lone returning starter for the Monarchs.&nbsp;He was fourth on the team with a .348 batting average and second on the team with 33 runs scored.In the first year of a two-year co-op with LaCrosse High School, seven athletes from LaCrosse will join 16 TMP players to make up this year's Monarchs squad.The Monarchs junior varsity will open the season on Monday, April 5th with the varsity hosing Colby on April 6th.

⚾Young group of Monarchs set to lead TMP baseball

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas State High School Activities Association announces Annie Diederich of Topeka will join its staff on July 1, 2021 as an Assistant Executive Director. Diederich was selected in a national search from a strong field of candidates. She will succeed Cheryl Gleason, who is retiring from the KSHSAA staff after 32 years of service.&nbsp;

Joining the KSHSAA after serving the Kansas State Department of Education as a Program Consultant for KESA, Diederich previously was the athletic director and elementary principal for the Jackson Heights School District outside of Holton, KS. Prior to her time with USD 335, she served 20 years with Topeka-Seaman USD 345 schools. While her tenure with Seaman began as an athletic/activities director for Logan Junior High and progressed to a 10-year position as principal of Elmont Elementary, Diederich also served at the district level as director of both elementary and secondary education and as the principal for Seaman Middle School.&nbsp;

A native of Hays and a graduate of Hays High School, Ms. Diederich earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University in 1991 before completing a Masters in Elementary Administration with emphasis on PreK-12 Building Leadership also from Fort Hays State University in 1996. In 2013, she completed coursework at Washburn University fulfilling requirements to earn a District Leadership License.&nbsp;

Using her strong leadership skills, Diederich has served across the state on many advisory councils and professional boards to promote and educate Kansas schools. As a member of the Kansas Principals Association and United School Administrators, she has been able to represent middle school administrators and elementary school principals on state committees and executive boards. She has served as a member of the Kansas State Department of Education Professional Standards Board (2019-21) as well as on the Curriculum Leaders Advisory Council (2016-18) and Licensure Review Board (2012-15). Diederich also assisted on the Seaman USD 345 Tech Advisory Council (2015-20) and Emergency Operations Plan Team (2013-20). She also served five years as an officer with KAESP, culminating as President for the 2014-15 schoolyear.&nbsp;

Widely known throughout Kansas as a gifted school administrator with experience as teacher, school administrator, and ardent student advocate, Ms. Diederich has been recognized as a YWCA Woman of Excellence in 2017. She also received a Technology Rich Classroom Grant at Elmont Elementary in the spring of 2010. During her time at Logan Jr. High, Diederich received the M. Claradine Johnson KNCA Excellence in Education Award (2005), the John W. Vaughn NCA Excellence in Education Award (2006) and was named a Kansas Association of Middle School Administrators Assistant Principal of the Year (2004-05).&nbsp;

Ms. Diederich’s primary responsibilities will be the administration of bowling, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, the KSHSAA Hall of Fame, the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) program and assisting with general administration of the KSHSAA.&nbsp;

“Ms. Diederich is respected as an outstanding educator and will continue to empower students to serve, grow, and lead as they engage in the interscholastic activities. Her faithful service as a teacher, coach, building administrator, district leader, and her parent perspective all support Annie as an excellent choice to fulfill the duties so capably administered by Ms. Gleason,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617141107845.png" alt="Diederich" />
 <figcaption>Diederich</figcaption>
 </figure>KSHSAATOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas State High School Activities Association announces Annie Diederich of Topeka will join its staff on July 1, 2021 as an Assistant Executive Director. Diederich was selected in a national search from a strong field of candidates. She will succeed Cheryl Gleason, who is retiring from the KSHSAA staff after 32 years of service.&nbsp;Joining the KSHSAA after serving the Kansas State Department of Education as a Program Consultant for KESA, Diederich previously was the athletic director and elementary principal for the Jackson Heights School District outside of Holton, KS. Prior to her time with USD 335, she served 20 years with Topeka-Seaman USD 345 schools. While her tenure with Seaman began as an athletic/activities director for Logan Junior High and progressed to a 10-year position as principal of Elmont Elementary, Diederich also served at the district level as director of both elementary and secondary education and as the principal for Seaman Middle School.&nbsp;A native of Hays and a graduate of Hays High School, Ms. Diederich earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University in 1991 before completing a Masters in Elementary Administration with emphasis on PreK-12 Building Leadership also from Fort Hays State University in 1996. In 2013, she completed coursework at Washburn University fulfilling requirements to earn a District Leadership License.&nbsp;Using her strong leadership skills, Diederich has served across the state on many advisory councils and professional boards to promote and educate Kansas schools. As a member of the Kansas Principals Association and United School Administrators, she has been able to represent middle school administrators and elementary school principals on state committees and executive boards. She has served as a member of the Kansas State Department of Education Professional Standards Board (2019-21) as well as on the Curriculum Leaders Advisory Council (2016-18) and Licensure Review Board (2012-15). Diederich also assisted on the Seaman USD 345 Tech Advisory Council (2015-20) and Emergency Operations Plan Team (2013-20). She also served five years as an officer with KAESP, culminating as President for the 2014-15 schoolyear.&nbsp;Widely known throughout Kansas as a gifted school administrator with experience as teacher, school administrator, and ardent student advocate, Ms. Diederich has been recognized as a YWCA Woman of Excellence in 2017. She also received a Technology Rich Classroom Grant at Elmont Elementary in the spring of 2010. During her time at Logan Jr. High, Diederich received the M. Claradine Johnson KNCA Excellence in Education Award (2005), the John W. Vaughn NCA Excellence in Education Award (2006) and was named a Kansas Association of Middle School Administrators Assistant Principal of the Year (2004-05).&nbsp;Ms. Diederich’s primary responsibilities will be the administration of bowling, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, the KSHSAA Hall of Fame, the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) program and assisting with general administration of the KSHSAA.&nbsp;“Ms. Diederich is respected as an outstanding educator and will continue to empower students to serve, grow, and lead as they engage in the interscholastic activities. Her faithful service as a teacher, coach, building administrator, district leader, and her parent perspective all support Annie as an excellent choice to fulfill the duties so capably administered by Ms. Gleason,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick.&nbsp;

Hays native, FHSU alum named to leadership position at KSHSAA

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's golf team battled through stiff winds at the Holiday Inn Express Women's Spring Regional Preview this week (March 29-30), hosted by Missouri Western at St. Joseph Country Club, a par-72, 5,941-yard course. The loaded field featured six nationally ranked teams, nine nationally ranked individuals and the majority of the top teams in the Central Region. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5881">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;paced the Tigers with a two-round total of 162, finishing in a tie for sixth place at 18-over. The freshman was tied for third after an opening round score of 7-over 79 before firing a round of 83 on day two. She tied for third in the 93-player field with 20 pars across her 36 holes. The Andale, Kan. native tied or defeated seven of the nine nationally-ranked golfers in the field. Her first round 79 was one of just 14 rounds all week in the 70s. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5878">Kira Mestl</a>&nbsp;finished in a tie for 46th place with a total score of 172 thanks to rounds of 87 and 85. The redshirt-sophomore recorded the only two birdies on the week for the Tigers, circling a four on&nbsp;the par-5 8th hole on both days. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5880">Kerrigan Rudolph</a>&nbsp;placed 79th with a two-round score of 183. The freshman posted a round of 87 in the first round before posting a score of 96 in round two. Central Oklahoma took home the team title with a two-round score of 637 (61-over), while Northeastern State's Yasmin Hang won the individual title by three strokes at 9-over 153 (76-77). The Tigers will be back out on the course next Tuesday and Wednesday (April 6-7) when they compete in the Newman Invitational at Sand Creek Station Golf Club in Newton, Kan. Full FHSU Results T6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5881">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;- 18 - 79 - 83 -- 162 T46th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5878">Kira Mestl</a>&nbsp;- +28 - 87 - 85 -- 172 79th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5880">Kerrigan Rudolph</a>&nbsp;- +39 - 87 - 96 -- 183&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617137434886.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Sara Braun, Rogers State Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Sara Braun, Rogers State Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's golf team battled through stiff winds at the Holiday Inn Express Women's Spring Regional Preview this week (March 29-30), hosted by Missouri Western at St. Joseph Country Club, a par-72, 5,941-yard course. The loaded field featured six nationally ranked teams, nine nationally ranked individuals and the majority of the top teams in the Central Region. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5881">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;paced the Tigers with a two-round total of 162, finishing in a tie for sixth place at 18-over. The freshman was tied for third after an opening round score of 7-over 79 before firing a round of 83 on day two. She tied for third in the 93-player field with 20 pars across her 36 holes. The Andale, Kan. native tied or defeated seven of the nine nationally-ranked golfers in the field. Her first round 79 was one of just 14 rounds all week in the 70s. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5878">Kira Mestl</a>&nbsp;finished in a tie for 46th place with a total score of 172 thanks to rounds of 87 and 85. The redshirt-sophomore recorded the only two birdies on the week for the Tigers, circling a four on&nbsp;the par-5 8th hole on both days. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5880">Kerrigan Rudolph</a>&nbsp;placed 79th with a two-round score of 183. The freshman posted a round of 87 in the first round before posting a score of 96 in round two. Central Oklahoma took home the team title with a two-round score of 637 (61-over), while Northeastern State's Yasmin Hang won the individual title by three strokes at 9-over 153 (76-77). The Tigers will be back out on the course next Tuesday and Wednesday (April 6-7) when they compete in the Newman Invitational at Sand Creek Station Golf Club in Newton, Kan. Full FHSU Results T6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5881">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;- 18 - 79 - 83 -- 162 T46th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5878">Kira Mestl</a>&nbsp;- +28 - 87 - 85 -- 172 79th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5880">Kerrigan Rudolph</a>&nbsp;- +39 - 87 - 96 -- 183&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⛳ FHSU's Brasser ties for sixth in strong regional preview field

In cased you missed, here's this week's Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State softball coach Adrian Pilkington and baseball coach Jerod Goodale.

Tiger Talk airs live Monday's at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (94.3-FM, 1400-AM) from the Golden Q in Hays.

In cased you missed, here's this week's Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State softball coach Adrian Pilkington and baseball coach Jerod Goodale.Tiger Talk airs live Monday's at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (94.3-FM, 1400-AM) from the Golden Q in Hays.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Mar. 29, 2021)" 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=5i72n-ff4d45-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk

After turning in a 22-4 overall record, winning the MIAA regular season championship, reaching the title game of the MIAA Championship Tournament&nbsp;and reaching the NCAA Division II Central Region semifinals, the&nbsp;Fort Hays State women's basketball team finished the 2020-21 season ranked 10th in the final WBCA Division II Coaches Poll and ranked No. 15 in the final D2SIDA Media Poll. This is the third time the Tigers have been ranked in the top 10 of the final coaches poll. FHSU was slotted eighth at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season and came in fifth following the 2018-19 campaign. At 22-4 overall, the Tigers were one of just eight Division II programs to reach the 20-win threshold this season. It was the 10th-consecutive season in which the Tigers reached 20 wins, the longest active streak in Division II (Drury, eight years). Fort Hays State distributed 421 assists on the year, second-most in Division II. The Tigers ranked sixth nationally with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.38. They also ranked in the top 10 nationwide in blocked shots (fourth, 108), free throw attempts (sixth, 476), free throws made (third, 352), rebounds (seventh, 965) and turnovers per game (eighth, 11.7). Fort Hays State also led the nation in attendance, averaging 778 fans inside the reduced-capacity Gross Memorial Coliseum per game. The home-court advantage helped the Tigers go 12-2 inside the Coliseum, reaching double figures in home wins for the 11th year in a row. The Tigers won 17 games in a row from January through early March, tied for the third-longest winning streak in program history. Lubbock Christian topped the poll after winning its second-consecutive national championship. The complete final national polls from March 27, 2021&nbsp;can be found below.

2020-21 Postseason WBCA DII Coaches Poll 1. Lubbock Christian (23) 23-0 2. Drury&nbsp;24-2 3. Lander&nbsp;20-2 4. Central Missouri&nbsp;23-5 5. Charleston 19-3 6. North Georgia&nbsp;18-2 7. Belmont Abbey&nbsp;22-3 8. Daemen&nbsp;14-3 9. Nebraska Kearney&nbsp;23-4 10t. Fort Hays State&nbsp;22-4 10t. Michigan Tech&nbsp;20-2 12. Minnesota Duluth&nbsp;14-2 13. Valdosta State&nbsp;18-4 14. Hawaii Pacific&nbsp;13-1 15. Southwestern Oklahoma State&nbsp;18-4 16. Azusa Pacific&nbsp;12-5 17. Texas A&amp;M-Commerce&nbsp;14-4 18. Tusculum&nbsp;19-4 19. Arkansas Tech&nbsp;14-2 20. Ashland&nbsp;16-9 21. Colorado School of Mines&nbsp;17-3 22. Union 19-6 23. Glenville State&nbsp;12-4 24. Carson-Newman&nbsp;15-4 25. Tuskegee&nbsp;12-2

2020-21 Postseason D2SIDA Media Poll 1. Lubbock Christian (16) 23-0 2. Drury 24-2 3. Central Missouri 23-5 4. Lander 20-2 5. Charleston 19-3 6. Belmont Abbey 22-3 7. Azusa Pacific 12-5 8. Daemen 14-3 9. North Georgia 18-2 10. Nebraska-Kearney 23-4 11. Southwestern Oklahoma State 18-4 12. Barton 13-3 13. Ashland&nbsp;16-9 14. Michigan Tech 20-2 15. Fort Hays State 22-4 16. Minnesota-Duluth 14-2 17. Colorado School of Mines 17-3 18. Hawaii Pacific 13-1 19. Valdosta State 18-4 20. Westminster 13-6 21. Tiffin 18-9 22. Texas A&amp;M-Commerce 14-4 23. Glenville State 12-4 T24. Dominican 12-2 T24. Truman State 17-5

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617131198126.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>After turning in a 22-4 overall record, winning the MIAA regular season championship, reaching the title game of the MIAA Championship Tournament&nbsp;and reaching the NCAA Division II Central Region semifinals, the&nbsp;Fort Hays State women's basketball team finished the 2020-21 season ranked 10th in the final WBCA Division II Coaches Poll and ranked No. 15 in the final D2SIDA Media Poll. This is the third time the Tigers have been ranked in the top 10 of the final coaches poll. FHSU was slotted eighth at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season and came in fifth following the 2018-19 campaign. At 22-4 overall, the Tigers were one of just eight Division II programs to reach the 20-win threshold this season. It was the 10th-consecutive season in which the Tigers reached 20 wins, the longest active streak in Division II (Drury, eight years). Fort Hays State distributed 421 assists on the year, second-most in Division II. The Tigers ranked sixth nationally with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.38. They also ranked in the top 10 nationwide in blocked shots (fourth, 108), free throw attempts (sixth, 476), free throws made (third, 352), rebounds (seventh, 965) and turnovers per game (eighth, 11.7). Fort Hays State also led the nation in attendance, averaging 778 fans inside the reduced-capacity Gross Memorial Coliseum per game. The home-court advantage helped the Tigers go 12-2 inside the Coliseum, reaching double figures in home wins for the 11th year in a row. The Tigers won 17 games in a row from January through early March, tied for the third-longest winning streak in program history. Lubbock Christian topped the poll after winning its second-consecutive national championship. The complete final national polls from March 27, 2021&nbsp;can be found below.2020-21 Postseason WBCA DII Coaches Poll 1. Lubbock Christian (23) 23-0 2. Drury&nbsp;24-2 3. Lander&nbsp;20-2 4. Central Missouri&nbsp;23-5 5. Charleston 19-3 6. North Georgia&nbsp;18-2 7. Belmont Abbey&nbsp;22-3 8. Daemen&nbsp;14-3 9. Nebraska Kearney&nbsp;23-4 10t. Fort Hays State&nbsp;22-4 10t. Michigan Tech&nbsp;20-2 12. Minnesota Duluth&nbsp;14-2 13. Valdosta State&nbsp;18-4 14. Hawaii Pacific&nbsp;13-1 15. Southwestern Oklahoma State&nbsp;18-4 16. Azusa Pacific&nbsp;12-5 17. Texas A&amp;M-Commerce&nbsp;14-4 18. Tusculum&nbsp;19-4 19. Arkansas Tech&nbsp;14-2 20. Ashland&nbsp;16-9 21. Colorado School of Mines&nbsp;17-3 22. Union 19-6 23. Glenville State&nbsp;12-4 24. Carson-Newman&nbsp;15-4 25. Tuskegee&nbsp;12-22020-21 Postseason D2SIDA Media Poll 1. Lubbock Christian (16) 23-0 2. Drury 24-2 3. Central Missouri 23-5 4. Lander 20-2 5. Charleston 19-3 6. Belmont Abbey 22-3 7. Azusa Pacific 12-5 8. Daemen 14-3 9. North Georgia 18-2 10. Nebraska-Kearney 23-4 11. Southwestern Oklahoma State 18-4 12. Barton 13-3 13. Ashland&nbsp;16-9 14. Michigan Tech 20-2 15. Fort Hays State 22-4 16. Minnesota-Duluth 14-2 17. Colorado School of Mines 17-3 18. Hawaii Pacific 13-1 19. Valdosta State 18-4 20. Westminster 13-6 21. Tiffin 18-9 22. Texas A&amp;M-Commerce 14-4 23. Glenville State 12-4 T24. Dominican 12-2 T24. Truman State 17-5FHSU Athletics

🏀 Tiger women rank in Top 10 of postseason coaches poll

Smoky Hill Country Club in conjunction with Central Links Golf are excited to host the 2021 Kansas Junior Amateur Golf Tournament June 7 to 10. This is a great event for our community where the Junior Golf Players throughout Kansas can show their skills. &nbsp;This is the largest event for Junior Golf in Kansas with Central Links Golf and by far the largest event Smoky Hill Country Club has hosted for this caliber of players.

Boys Divisions Five Boys age divisions:&nbsp;

Girls Divisions One Girls age division&nbsp;

Both Champions and Runner Ups will receive a qualifying spot into the KS Regional,&nbsp;Notah Begay III Junior Championship,&nbsp;at Firekeeper Golf Course on July 20-21, 2021.

Competition practice round will start on June 7th&nbsp;with the following format scheduled for play starting on the 8th. 54 holes of individual stroke play within five age divisions for boys.&nbsp; 54 holes of individual stroke play within one age division for girls.&nbsp; Following 36 holes there will be a cut to the low 15 and ties in each age division.&nbsp; Overall Champion to be determined (boys and girls).&nbsp; The event may be shortened to&nbsp;36 holes if weather cancels either round..&nbsp; Following 36 holes there will be a cut to the low 15 and ties in each age division.

Smoky Hill Country Club is excited for the opportunity to co-host this event and have available for the public to be part of the gallery. &nbsp;Save the date to come watch these young players showcase their golf skills. The public is invited and cost to be part of this gallery is free.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616772397761.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSmoky Hill Country Club in conjunction with Central Links Golf are excited to host the 2021 Kansas Junior Amateur Golf Tournament June 7 to 10. This is a great event for our community where the Junior Golf Players throughout Kansas can show their skills. &nbsp;This is the largest event for Junior Golf in Kansas with Central Links Golf and by far the largest event Smoky Hill Country Club has hosted for this caliber of players.Boys Divisions Five Boys age divisions:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>14 &amp; Under</li><li>15 age&nbsp;</li><li>16 age</li><li>17 age</li><li>18 age</li>
 </ul>Girls Divisions One Girls age division&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>All Girls</li>
 </ul>Both Champions and Runner Ups will receive a qualifying spot into the KS Regional,&nbsp;Notah Begay III Junior Championship,&nbsp;at Firekeeper Golf Course on July 20-21, 2021.Competition practice round will start on June 7th&nbsp;with the following format scheduled for play starting on the 8th. 54 holes of individual stroke play within five age divisions for boys.&nbsp; 54 holes of individual stroke play within one age division for girls.&nbsp; Following 36 holes there will be a cut to the low 15 and ties in each age division.&nbsp; Overall Champion to be determined (boys and girls).&nbsp; The event may be shortened to&nbsp;36 holes if weather cancels either round..&nbsp; Following 36 holes there will be a cut to the low 15 and ties in each age division.Smoky Hill Country Club is excited for the opportunity to co-host this event and have available for the public to be part of the gallery. &nbsp;Save the date to come watch these young players showcase their golf skills. The public is invited and cost to be part of this gallery is free.—&nbsp;News release