Chris Brown: "Just one of those scrimmages, you know, just trying to find out who can play and who can do what and I think we figured that out today."

By GERARD WELLBROCK
 Hays Post Sports

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State football team wrapped up preseason
camp with their only scheduled scrimmage Saturday morning at Lewis Field.

“Defensively we kept it pretty simple, pretty basic to see
if our guys could get lined up and make the plays they were asked to make,”
Brown said. “Offensively I saw some good things, but I think the penalties killed
a lot of our drives.”

Team captains, which are voted on by the players, were
announced after the scrimmage Saturday. Offensive captains include quarterback
Caleb Heavner, wide receiver Ryan Allen, tight end Cale Cormaney and offensive lineman
Josh Shaw. The defensive captains are linebacker John Johnson, safety Jaxon
Kolzow and defensive ends Gaven Haselhorst and Parish Terry. 

With the start of classes Monday, the Tigers shift to
afternoon practices. They open the season at home on  Thursday, August 28th against No. 13 Angelo State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755373546242.jpeg" alt="Hays Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Chris Brown: "Just one of those scrimmages, you know, just trying to find out who can play and who can do what and I think we figured that out today."</h2>By GERARD WELLBROCK
 Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State football team wrapped up preseason
camp with their only scheduled scrimmage Saturday morning at Lewis Field.“Defensively we kept it pretty simple, pretty basic to see
if our guys could get lined up and make the plays they were asked to make,”
Brown said. “Offensively I saw some good things, but I think the penalties killed
a lot of our drives.”<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/2154342279&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-fb-camp-brown" title="FHSU FB Camp - Brown" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU FB Camp - Brown</a></div></div><h2>Captains named</h2>Team captains, which are voted on by the players, were
announced after the scrimmage Saturday. Offensive captains include quarterback
Caleb Heavner, wide receiver Ryan Allen, tight end Cale Cormaney and offensive lineman
Josh Shaw. The defensive captains are linebacker John Johnson, safety Jaxon
Kolzow and defensive ends Gaven Haselhorst and Parish Terry. With the start of classes Monday, the Tigers shift to
afternoon practices. They open the season at home on Thursday, August 28th against No. 13 Angelo State.

🏈🎧 Tigers wrap up preseason camp with Saturday scrimmage

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Saturday, August 16
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30pm

Sunday, August 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday, August 16
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30pmSunday, August 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold looked the part of a franchise quarterback in his first appearance at Lumen Field as the Seattle Seahawks beat the Kansas City Chiefs 33-16 in a preseason game on Friday night.

Darnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/raiders-seahawks-score-carroll-edf384e650581062397c8dfdb83211f0">who did not appear in the Seattle Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders</a>, completed 4 of 4 passes for 34 yards on the opening drive.

Darnold, who signed to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle in the offseason, made good use of both his legs and his tight ends during his sole series. He had no issues rolling out to either his left or right, locating tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo for short passes, as well as fullback Robbie Ouzts and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for deeper completions.

“I thought today, first of all, it was awesome just to get out there in front of the 12s,” Darnold said. “And that atmosphere, too, I felt like that was kind of a perfect atmosphere. It felt like it was almost November, December already out there in the rain.”

Backup quarterback Drew Lock also impressed in relief of Darnold on a slippery Seattle evening, throwing a couple of touchdown passes to wide receiver Jake Bobo, and completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards. Coach Mike Macdonald was particularly complimentary of Bobo’s performance.

“This guy’s a Seahawk, man,” Macdonald said of Bobo, “The way he operates and goes and attacks the football."

Running backs Zach Charbonnet and Damien Martinez each added touchdowns on the ground in the first and third quarters, respectively.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, did not play quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and other starters from the team that fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s Super Bowl.

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew found tight end Robert Tonyan for a 1-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.

The Seahawks’ defense in large part held strong, limiting the Chiefs’ reserves to three points in the second half. Kansas City wide receiver Skyy Moore, though, did return a punt for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

“Now, we’re chasing perfection as much as you can’t obtain it,” safety Julian Love said. “That’s kind of what we’re trying to make the standard on defense.”

After rushing for the fifth-fewest yards as a team in 2024, the Seahawks have made it their prerogative to be more effective on the ground in 2025. They demonstrated on Friday, racking up 268 rushing yards on 48 carries. Five different players rushed for at least 30 yards.

“The backs ran really hard,” Macdonald said. “Every back today, I thought, ran the ball hard and going forward, how we finish plays, I can’t wait to watch it.”

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-fant-227c19313598e1129d9506bcae6f22e7">Noah Fant is now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals</a>, tight end remains a key position battle for the Seahawks. Arroyo and Barner combined for three catches and 24 yards on Friday, not letting any passing attempts escape them despite slippery conditions.

Barner is the more veteran player, with 30 catches and 245 receiving yards under his belt from last season. But Arroyo, who was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, has been more productive in the preseason. He has four catches for 33 yards through two exhibition games.

Seahawks: Visit the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 23.

Chiefs: Host the Chicago Bears on Aug. 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755374128244.jpeg" alt="Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) makes a touchdown catch as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) makes a touchdown catch as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold looked the part of a franchise quarterback in his first appearance at Lumen Field as the Seattle Seahawks beat the Kansas City Chiefs 33-16 in a preseason game on Friday night.Darnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/raiders-seahawks-score-carroll-edf384e650581062397c8dfdb83211f0">who did not appear in the Seattle Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders</a>, completed 4 of 4 passes for 34 yards on the opening drive.Darnold, who signed to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle in the offseason, made good use of both his legs and his tight ends during his sole series. He had no issues rolling out to either his left or right, locating tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo for short passes, as well as fullback Robbie Ouzts and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for deeper completions.“I thought today, first of all, it was awesome just to get out there in front of the 12s,” Darnold said. “And that atmosphere, too, I felt like that was kind of a perfect atmosphere. It felt like it was almost November, December already out there in the rain.”Backup quarterback Drew Lock also impressed in relief of Darnold on a slippery Seattle evening, throwing a couple of touchdown passes to wide receiver Jake Bobo, and completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards. Coach Mike Macdonald was particularly complimentary of Bobo’s performance.“This guy’s a Seahawk, man,” Macdonald said of Bobo, “The way he operates and goes and attacks the football."Running backs Zach Charbonnet and Damien Martinez each added touchdowns on the ground in the first and third quarters, respectively.The Chiefs, meanwhile, did not play quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and other starters from the team that fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s Super Bowl.Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew found tight end Robert Tonyan for a 1-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.The Seahawks’ defense in large part held strong, limiting the Chiefs’ reserves to three points in the second half. Kansas City wide receiver Skyy Moore, though, did return a punt for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.“Now, we’re chasing perfection as much as you can’t obtain it,” safety Julian Love said. “That’s kind of what we’re trying to make the standard on defense.”<h2>Scampering Seahawks</h2>After rushing for the fifth-fewest yards as a team in 2024, the Seahawks have made it their prerogative to be more effective on the ground in 2025. They demonstrated on Friday, racking up 268 rushing yards on 48 carries. Five different players rushed for at least 30 yards.“The backs ran really hard,” Macdonald said. “Every back today, I thought, ran the ball hard and going forward, how we finish plays, I can’t wait to watch it.”<h2>Tight end time</h2>Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-fant-227c19313598e1129d9506bcae6f22e7">Noah Fant is now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals</a>, tight end remains a key position battle for the Seahawks. Arroyo and Barner combined for three catches and 24 yards on Friday, not letting any passing attempts escape them despite slippery conditions.Barner is the more veteran player, with 30 catches and 245 receiving yards under his belt from last season. But Arroyo, who was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, has been more productive in the preseason. He has four catches for 33 yards through two exhibition games.<h2>Up next</h2>Seahawks: Visit the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 23.Chiefs: Host the Chicago Bears on Aug. 22.

🏈 Sam Darnold helps lead Seahawks to win over the Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Noah Cameron pitched into the sixth inning, Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead homer, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Friday night to continue their mastery of their AL Central rivals over the past couple of years.

The Royals are 18-3 against the White Sox since the start of last season, including a four-game sweep of Chicago n May.

Cameron (7-5) set the Royals rookie record at Kauffman Stadium by running his scoreless streak to 19 1/3 innings early on. And when Lenyn Sosa homered off him with two outs in the fourth, Cameron set down the next four batters.

Cameron loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, but John Schreiber came in and got Sosa to line into an inning-ending double play.

Carlos Estévez struck out the side in the ninth, finishing 3 2/3 scoreless innings by the Royals bullpen and earning his 31st save.

Aaron Civale (3-8) gave up three straight singles in the first as Kansas City took a 1-0 lead. He allowed one more hit until the fourth, when Perez sent a 1-0 pitch over the right-field wall to make it 2-1.

KC's Adam Frazier hit a two-out RBI double in the sixth.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected by second base umpire Tom Hanahan in the fifth after Kyle Isbel was thrown out trying to steal second. Quatraro was angry that the White Sox were not called for blocking the bag. It took crew chief Todd Tichenor to get the skipper back to the dugout.

The White Sox have lost nine of their last 11.

RHP Sean Burke (4-9, 4.26 ERA) starts Saturday night for Chicago. RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61) makes his first start for Kansas City since July 6, when he pitched well before landing on the injured list with a left oblique strain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755313126115.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Noah Cameron pitched into the sixth inning, Salvador Perez hit a go-ahead homer, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Friday night to continue their mastery of their AL Central rivals over the past couple of years.The Royals are 18-3 against the White Sox since the start of last season, including a four-game sweep of Chicago n May.Cameron (7-5) set the Royals rookie record at Kauffman Stadium by running his scoreless streak to 19 1/3 innings early on. And when Lenyn Sosa homered off him with two outs in the fourth, Cameron set down the next four batters.Cameron loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, but John Schreiber came in and got Sosa to line into an inning-ending double play.Carlos Estévez struck out the side in the ninth, finishing 3 2/3 scoreless innings by the Royals bullpen and earning his 31st save.Aaron Civale (3-8) gave up three straight singles in the first as Kansas City took a 1-0 lead. He allowed one more hit until the fourth, when Perez sent a 1-0 pitch over the right-field wall to make it 2-1.KC's Adam Frazier hit a two-out RBI double in the sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected by second base umpire Tom Hanahan in the fifth after Kyle Isbel was thrown out trying to steal second. Quatraro was angry that the White Sox were not called for blocking the bag. It took crew chief Todd Tichenor to get the skipper back to the dugout.<h2>Key stat</h2>The White Sox have lost nine of their last 11.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Sean Burke (4-9, 4.26 ERA) starts Saturday night for Chicago. RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61) makes his first start for Kansas City since July 6, when he pitched well before landing on the injured list with a left oblique strain.

⚾ Salvador Perez hits go-ahead homer as Royals top the White Sox 

By GERARD WELLBROCK 
 Hays Post Sports

HAYS, Kan. — The Fort Hays State football offense was a
formidable force by the end of the 2024 season. The Tigers won five of their
final six games to finish with an 8-3 record.

Offensive coordinator Tom Ross, who was named to the
position just before the start of preseason camp last year, attributed the slow
start to a lack of comfort.

“Early on in the season I just don’t think I was comfortable
enough,” Ross said. “We kind of all figured it out together as the season went
on. So, I don’t see why we can’t necessarily start off the way that we
finished. But with that being said, we’ve got a top-five defense coming into
Hays (Angelo State) in two weeks, so we’re going to find out who we are and
where we need to get to.”

The Tigers finished 2024 in the top four of the MIAA in
total offense with 402 yards per game. Even with some holes to fill this year,
Ross feels they have a chance to put up bigger numbers this season.

“A lot of those guys were in the system, they were around,
and they really took a lot of ownership, a lot of pride over the offseason, in
the springtime, in the summertime, to really learn it and to kind of understand
why we’re doing things,” Ross said.

Caleb Heavner took over as the Tigers’ starting quarterback
in their sixth game last season and went 5-1 as a starter. Ross has high
expectations for the now-junior signal-caller.

“He’s always been a mature kid. He’s always had a good head
on his shoulders, but it’s just his preparation,” Ross said. “I couldn’t get
him out of my office the entire springtime, couldn’t get him out of my office
the entire summertime. You, me and him, almost scary, you know, we think
alike.”

One of the biggest holes to fill will be in the backfield.
Shane Watts emerged as one of the top running backs in the nation, rushing for 1,303
yards and gaining 1,752 all-purpose yards and scoring 17 total touchdowns. He
earned Second Team All-American honors from three different organizations.

Ross said Watts left some big shoes to fill but feels they
will be fine at the position.

“That’s one of the positions it’s going to be more by
committee,” Ross said. “We’ve got guys that can do different things, and so
just utilizing their skill sets. We’ve got an experienced offensive line so
that should help in terms of the running game. I do think we’ve got potential
there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754944802721.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State coaches Kyle Murphy (left), Tom Ross (middle) and Cooper Harris (right) watch on at a FHSU football practice (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State coaches Kyle Murphy (left), Tom Ross (middle) and Cooper Harris (right) watch on at a FHSU football practice (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK 
 Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. — The Fort Hays State football offense was a
formidable force by the end of the 2024 season. The Tigers won five of their
final six games to finish with an 8-3 record.Offensive coordinator Tom Ross, who was named to the
position just before the start of preseason camp last year, attributed the slow
start to a lack of comfort.<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/2153713179&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-fb-camp-ross" title="FHSU FB Camp - Ross" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU FB Camp - Ross</a></div></div>“Early on in the season I just don’t think I was comfortable
enough,” Ross said. “We kind of all figured it out together as the season went
on. So, I don’t see why we can’t necessarily start off the way that we
finished. But with that being said, we’ve got a top-five defense coming into
Hays (Angelo State) in two weeks, so we’re going to find out who we are and
where we need to get to.”The Tigers finished 2024 in the top four of the MIAA in
total offense with 402 yards per game. Even with some holes to fill this year,
Ross feels they have a chance to put up bigger numbers this season.“A lot of those guys were in the system, they were around,
and they really took a lot of ownership, a lot of pride over the offseason, in
the springtime, in the summertime, to really learn it and to kind of understand
why we’re doing things,” Ross said.Caleb Heavner took over as the Tigers’ starting quarterback
in their sixth game last season and went 5-1 as a starter. Ross has high
expectations for the now-junior signal-caller.“He’s always been a mature kid. He’s always had a good head
on his shoulders, but it’s just his preparation,” Ross said. “I couldn’t get
him out of my office the entire springtime, couldn’t get him out of my office
the entire summertime. You, me and him, almost scary, you know, we think
alike.”One of the biggest holes to fill will be in the backfield.
Shane Watts emerged as one of the top running backs in the nation, rushing for 1,303
yards and gaining 1,752 all-purpose yards and scoring 17 total touchdowns. He
earned Second Team All-American honors from three different organizations.Ross said Watts left some big shoes to fill but feels they
will be fine at the position.“That’s one of the positions it’s going to be more by
committee,” Ross said. “We’ve got guys that can do different things, and so
just utilizing their skill sets. We’ve got an experienced offensive line so
that should help in terms of the running game. I do think we’ve got potential
there.”

🏈 Fort Hays State offense looks to build on late-season success

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State and Rogers State tied for the top pick in the GAC Preseason Men's Soccer Coaches Poll, released on Thursday (Aug. 14). The Tigers and Hillcats tied with 33 voting points each. FHSU was the GAC Men's Soccer Tournament Champion last year, which earned the Tigers a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the 10th time in just 13 full seasons as a program.

With seven schools in the GAC, Rogers State had four of the first-place votes in the poll, while Fort Hays State received the other three. Southern Nazarene and Newman were the next two picks in the poll. All four schools made up the GAC Tournament field last year, which FHSU won.

The GAC had a tight race at the top of the regular season standings in 2024. Southern Nazarene and Rogers State tied at the top at 8-1-3 in GAC play, both with 27 points, while FHSU was one point behind with a conference record of 8-2-2. The trio at the top were the only three teams of the seven in the GAC to finish with winning records overall in 2024.

Fort Hays State finished the 2024 season with a 13-4-4 record overall. The Tigers return one All-American in midfielder Tadhg Walsh, who led NCAA Division II in assists going into to the NCAA Tournament last year with 15. That broke the single-season record for assists at FHSU, topping the old mark of 14 set by Derick Gonzalez in 2017. Walsh joins Elias Ovelar Semeniuk as returning all-region performers from last year. The pair is also among a group of four returners who earned all-conference honors last year, which includes Bastian Carlman and Jackson Elgas.

Below is the GAC Preseason Men's Soccer Poll for 2025.

1. Rogers State (4) – 33 pts 2. Fort Hays State (3) – 33 pts 3. Southern Nazarene – 26 pts 4. Newman – 22 pts 5. Northeastern State – 16 pts 6. Ouachita Baptist – 10 pts 7. Harding – 7 pts

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755312448652.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Fort Hays State and Rogers State tied for the top pick in the GAC Preseason Men's Soccer Coaches Poll, released on Thursday (Aug. 14). The Tigers and Hillcats tied with 33 voting points each. FHSU was the GAC Men's Soccer Tournament Champion last year, which earned the Tigers a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the 10th time in just 13 full seasons as a program.With seven schools in the GAC, Rogers State had four of the first-place votes in the poll, while Fort Hays State received the other three. Southern Nazarene and Newman were the next two picks in the poll. All four schools made up the GAC Tournament field last year, which FHSU won.The GAC had a tight race at the top of the regular season standings in 2024. Southern Nazarene and Rogers State tied at the top at 8-1-3 in GAC play, both with 27 points, while FHSU was one point behind with a conference record of 8-2-2. The trio at the top were the only three teams of the seven in the GAC to finish with winning records overall in 2024.Fort Hays State finished the 2024 season with a 13-4-4 record overall. The Tigers return one All-American in midfielder Tadhg Walsh, who led NCAA Division II in assists going into to the NCAA Tournament last year with 15. That broke the single-season record for assists at FHSU, topping the old mark of 14 set by Derick Gonzalez in 2017. Walsh joins Elias Ovelar Semeniuk as returning all-region performers from last year. The pair is also among a group of four returners who earned all-conference honors last year, which includes Bastian Carlman and Jackson Elgas.Below is the GAC Preseason Men's Soccer Poll for 2025.1. Rogers State (4) – 33 pts 2. Fort Hays State (3) – 33 pts 3. Southern Nazarene – 26 pts 4. Newman – 22 pts 5. Northeastern State – 16 pts 6. Ouachita Baptist – 10 pts 7. Harding – 7 pts

⚽ FHSU men share top pick in GAC preseason coaches poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State was picked ninth in the MIAA Preseason Women's Soccer Coaches Poll, released on Friday (Aug. 15). The Tigers tied for eighth in the regular season standings last year and made their 10th-straight appearance in the MIAA Tournament.

Fort Hays State is coming off a 7-8-4 overall mark in 2024, a season riddled with injuries that saw several key players have their seasons cut short. The Tigers return two of their six All-MIAA selections from a season ago, which includes forwards Sydney Cotter and Taylor Hill. Hill is the top returning scorer, tying for the team lead in goals last year with five, while Cotter had four goals. The Tigers enter their fourth season under head coach Tyson John, who has a mark of 31-16-14 (.623) at FHSU.

Central Missouri held the top spot in the poll with 132 voting points, followed by Central Oklahoma with 126. Both received four first-place votes. Missouri Western edged Washburn for the third spot, but Washburn had the most first-place votes (5) even though they sat fourth in the poll. Washburn was the MIAA regular season champion for the second-straight year in 2024.

Fort Hays State opens regular season play on Friday, September 5 at Rockhurst University. The Tigers play their first home contest on Sunday, September 7 against Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Below is the 2025 MIAA Preseason Women's Soccer Coaches Poll.

1. Central Missouri [4] – 132 points 2. Central Oklahoma [4] – 126 points 3. Missouri Western – 124 points 4. Washburn [5] – 123 points 5. Northeastern State – 92 points 6. Northwest Missouri – 89 points 7. Pittsburg State – 71 points 8. Nebraska Kearney – 69 points 9. Fort Hays State – 63 points 10. Emporia State – 53 points 11. Rogers State – 37 points 12. Missouri Southern – 19 points 13. Newman – 16 points [#] - Number of First Place Votes

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755312698529.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State was picked ninth in the MIAA Preseason Women's Soccer Coaches Poll, released on Friday (Aug. 15). The Tigers tied for eighth in the regular season standings last year and made their 10th-straight appearance in the MIAA Tournament.Fort Hays State is coming off a 7-8-4 overall mark in 2024, a season riddled with injuries that saw several key players have their seasons cut short. The Tigers return two of their six All-MIAA selections from a season ago, which includes forwards Sydney Cotter and Taylor Hill. Hill is the top returning scorer, tying for the team lead in goals last year with five, while Cotter had four goals. The Tigers enter their fourth season under head coach Tyson John, who has a mark of 31-16-14 (.623) at FHSU.Central Missouri held the top spot in the poll with 132 voting points, followed by Central Oklahoma with 126. Both received four first-place votes. Missouri Western edged Washburn for the third spot, but Washburn had the most first-place votes (5) even though they sat fourth in the poll. Washburn was the MIAA regular season champion for the second-straight year in 2024.Fort Hays State opens regular season play on Friday, September 5 at Rockhurst University. The Tigers play their first home contest on Sunday, September 7 against Northwestern Oklahoma State University.Below is the 2025 MIAA Preseason Women's Soccer Coaches Poll.1. Central Missouri [4] – 132 points 2. Central Oklahoma [4] – 126 points 3. Missouri Western – 124 points 4. Washburn [5] – 123 points 5. Northeastern State – 92 points 6. Northwest Missouri – 89 points 7. Pittsburg State – 71 points 8. Nebraska Kearney – 69 points 9. Fort Hays State – 63 points 10. Emporia State – 53 points 11. Rogers State – 37 points 12. Missouri Southern – 19 points 13. Newman – 16 points [#] - Number of First Place Votes

⚽ Tiger women’s slotted ninth in MIAA preseason coaches poll

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University Athletics has announced its partnership with Influencer (INFLCR) by Teamworks to help expand and optimize its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program and opportunities for its student-athletes. The Tigers are launching their Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange program, which is a custom-designed NIL business registry for businesses, donors, alumni, and others interested in connecting with FHSU student-athletes.

Partnering with INFLCR ensures all earnings from NIL opportunities go directly to student-athletes, with zero fees taken from student-athlete or business entities. Registered companies can search, filter, and initiate conversations with student-athletes to discuss NIL deals. Once an agreement is mutually accepted, the business can use the Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange to create a transaction that compensates the student-athlete directly. INFLCR issues all payments and generates a singular 1099 for the student-athlete, ensuring a seamless and simplified experience for businesses and student-athletes alike.  The newly created Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange also automates a disclosure to the Influencer Compliance Ledger.

"As we continue our pursuit of excellence, the Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange will enhance and elevate opportunities for our student-athletes to engage and maximize Name, Image, &amp; Likeness opportunities, while providing educational resources and opportunities to build their brand," FHSU Director of Athletics Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk said. "In addition, the creation of the exchange offers a seamless process and opportunity for national and local businesses to join the marketplace and engage with our outstanding student-athletes, while fortifying our compliance processes."

"This partnership agreement with INFLCR will greatly enhance our student-athletes' NIL experience during their time at FHSU. It will bring many valuable opportunities for our great business owners and community partners to interact and collaborate with our student-athletes," said FHSU Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook.

"Fort Hays State Athletics has built a forward-thinking NIL program that prioritizes education, compliance, and brand-building," said Teamworks Senior Account Executive Sean Kelly. "We're proud to power the Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange and help student-athletes unlock new NIL opportunities with the support of their local community and beyond."

Influencer is a part of Fort Hays State's current partnership with Teamworks for internal management solutions among its staff, coaches, and student-athletes. The Influencer platform brings expertise in specific areas while working closely with FHSU Athletics' internal team to provide student-athlete resources in education, NIL marketplace exchange access, infrastructure, agreement disclosure, compliance, content sharing, and personal branding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755312869083.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University Athletics has announced its partnership with Influencer (INFLCR) by Teamworks to help expand and optimize its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program and opportunities for its student-athletes. The Tigers are launching their Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange program, which is a custom-designed NIL business registry for businesses, donors, alumni, and others interested in connecting with FHSU student-athletes.Partnering with INFLCR ensures all earnings from NIL opportunities go directly to student-athletes, with zero fees taken from student-athlete or business entities. Registered companies can search, filter, and initiate conversations with student-athletes to discuss NIL deals. Once an agreement is mutually accepted, the business can use the Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange to create a transaction that compensates the student-athlete directly. INFLCR issues all payments and generates a singular 1099 for the student-athlete, ensuring a seamless and simplified experience for businesses and student-athletes alike. The newly created Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange also automates a disclosure to the Influencer Compliance Ledger."As we continue our pursuit of excellence, the Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange will enhance and elevate opportunities for our student-athletes to engage and maximize Name, Image, &amp; Likeness opportunities, while providing educational resources and opportunities to build their brand," FHSU Director of Athletics Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk said. "In addition, the creation of the exchange offers a seamless process and opportunity for national and local businesses to join the marketplace and engage with our outstanding student-athletes, while fortifying our compliance processes.""This partnership agreement with INFLCR will greatly enhance our student-athletes' NIL experience during their time at FHSU. It will bring many valuable opportunities for our great business owners and community partners to interact and collaborate with our student-athletes," said FHSU Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook."Fort Hays State Athletics has built a forward-thinking NIL program that prioritizes education, compliance, and brand-building," said Teamworks Senior Account Executive Sean Kelly. "We're proud to power the Fort Hays State Tiger Exchange and help student-athletes unlock new NIL opportunities with the support of their local community and beyond."Influencer is a part of Fort Hays State's current partnership with Teamworks for internal management solutions among its staff, coaches, and student-athletes. The Influencer platform brings expertise in specific areas while working closely with FHSU Athletics' internal team to provide student-athlete resources in education, NIL marketplace exchange access, infrastructure, agreement disclosure, compliance, content sharing, and personal branding.

FHSU Athletics partners with INFLCR by Teamworks NIL program

Friday, August 15
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks, 8:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;Friday, August 15
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks, 8:00pmSaturday, August 16
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30pmSunday, August 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer

Arizona State was a big surprise debuting in the Big 12 with a conference championship and making the College Football Playoff after being picked to finish at the bottom of the 16-team league.

Kenny Dillingham, the 35-year-old coach now in his third season at his alma mater, bluntly told his Sun Devils they really didn't do anything special last year.

“The reality is there’s been a lot of teams in college football who have done what we’ve done, who have won one year and then come back to reality,” Dillingham said. “What would be special would be to continue to build off of that. The real challenge was how do we not become what normal teams in our situation do, which is fall back to where we’ve always been.”

After a CFP quarterfinal loss in double overtime to now preseason No. 1 Texas, the No. 11 Sun Devils are the highest-ranked team from the unpredictable Big 12, even after the departure of do-everything running back Cam Skattebo to the NFL. They return quarterback Sam Leavitt (2,855 yards, 24 TDs passing), the preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year, and receiver Jordyn Tyson (75 catches, 1,101 yards, 10 TDs) is healthy after missing the end of the last season with a collarbone injury.

The last time Arizona State was higher in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 was No. 8 in 1998, what turned into a 5-6 season.

The Big 12's other ranked teams are No. 17 Kansas State and league runner-up No. 22 Iowa State, who open against each other with a conference game in Ireland on Aug. 23, along with No. 23 Texas Tech. All return quality starting quarterbacks.

Texas Tech transformed its program with big money through the transfer portal and made the preseason poll for the first time since 2008, six years before three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes played a game for the Red Raiders.

Baylor redshirt sophomore Bryson Washington (1,028 yards, 12 TDs) is the only of the Big 12's eight 1,000-yard rushers back from last season. The Bears, who won their last six regular-season games, also return quarterback Sawyer Robertson (3,335 yards, 27 TDs).

Leading passer Shedeur Sanders (4,134 yards, 37 TDs) went in the NFL draft after two seasons at Colorado, but the next eight top QBs were all coming back, including Iowa State's Rocco Becht, Texas Tech's Behren Morton and K-State's Avery Johnson. The only change was Jake Retzlaff unexpectedly leaving BYU this spring after a since-dismissed civil sexual assault lawsuit.

Three seasons after making the national title game, TCU has Josh Hoover (3,949 yards, 27 TDs) after a 9-4 season capped by four consecutive wins.

Only Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz in his 27th season has been with his FBS team longer than Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham. The Big 12's stalwarts are coming off huge disappointments in their 20th seasons.

Utah was the presumptive favorite last year to be the team to make its Big 12 debut with a title, but had its first losing season (5-7, 2-7 Big 12) since 2013. Two-time Pac-12 champion quarterback Cam Rising had to “medically retire”, but dual-threat QB Devon Dampier followed new offensive coordinator Jason Beck from New Mexico.

Oklahoma State was 3-9 and didn't win a conference game, its first losing season since Gundy's 4-7 debut in 2005. And there is still plenty of uncertainty with two new coordinators and a lot of transfers.

“The changes in how we go about rebuilding, whether it’s financially or roster management, have been challenging but also intriguing,” Gundy said. "It’s different than it’s ever been before.”

Scott Frost has reunited with UCF and Rich Rodriguez is back at West Virginia, but they are new coaches to the Big 12 since those schools weren't yet in the league when they were there.

“Whatever head coaching spot, it takes you six to nine months to kind of get a lay of the land," Rodriguez said. "Well, West Virginia took six to nine minutes. ... But, then again, there’s also times of change.”

The Mountaineers are in their 14th Big 12 season. They has three consecutive 11-win seasons in the Big East from 2005-07 before Rodriguez went to Michigan.

This is UCF’s third Big 12 season. Frost coached UCF’s undefeated season out of the American Athletic Conference in 2017, when the Knights declared themselves national champions and he left for Nebraska.

TCU opens 2026 in Ireland against North Carolina, but this year will be in Chapel Hill as the visitor for Bill Belichick’s UNC debut on Labor Day night.

The Horned Frogs two years ago lost their season opener in coach Deion Sanders' first game with Colorado. Sanders, who was treated this summer for bladder cancer, has his first Buffs game without a son on the team Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.

Other notable games: No. 11 Arizona State at Baylor, and No. 23 Texas Tech at Utah, Sept. 20; TCU at No. 11 Arizona State, Sept. 26; No. 17 Kansas State at Baylor, Oct. 4; No. 11 Arizona State at Utah, Oct. 11; No. 23 Texas Tech at No. 11 Arizona State, Oct. 18; No. 11 Arizona State at No. 22 Iowa State, and No. 23 Texas Tech at No. 17 Kansas State on Nov. 1; Big 12 championship game, Dec. 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755253897420.jpeg" alt="FILE - Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham applauds his players during a NCAA college football game against Central Florida Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham applauds his players during a NCAA college football game against Central Florida Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports WriterArizona State was a big surprise debuting in the Big 12 with a conference championship and making the College Football Playoff after being picked to finish at the bottom of the 16-team league.Kenny Dillingham, the 35-year-old coach now in his third season at his alma mater, bluntly told his Sun Devils they really didn't do anything special last year.“The reality is there’s been a lot of teams in college football who have done what we’ve done, who have won one year and then come back to reality,” Dillingham said. “What would be special would be to continue to build off of that. The real challenge was how do we not become what normal teams in our situation do, which is fall back to where we’ve always been.”After a CFP quarterfinal loss in double overtime to now preseason No. 1 Texas, the No. 11 Sun Devils are the highest-ranked team from the unpredictable Big 12, even after the departure of do-everything running back Cam Skattebo to the NFL. They return quarterback Sam Leavitt (2,855 yards, 24 TDs passing), the preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year, and receiver Jordyn Tyson (75 catches, 1,101 yards, 10 TDs) is healthy after missing the end of the last season with a collarbone injury.The last time Arizona State was higher in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 was No. 8 in 1998, what turned into a 5-6 season.The Big 12's other ranked teams are No. 17 Kansas State and league runner-up No. 22 Iowa State, who open against each other with a conference game in Ireland on Aug. 23, along with No. 23 Texas Tech. All return quality starting quarterbacks.Texas Tech transformed its program with big money through the transfer portal and made the preseason poll for the first time since 2008, six years before three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes played a game for the Red Raiders.<h2>Passers and a rusher make contenders</h2>Baylor redshirt sophomore Bryson Washington (1,028 yards, 12 TDs) is the only of the Big 12's eight 1,000-yard rushers back from last season. The Bears, who won their last six regular-season games, also return quarterback Sawyer Robertson (3,335 yards, 27 TDs).Leading passer Shedeur Sanders (4,134 yards, 37 TDs) went in the NFL draft after two seasons at Colorado, but the next eight top QBs were all coming back, including Iowa State's Rocco Becht, Texas Tech's Behren Morton and K-State's Avery Johnson. The only change was Jake Retzlaff unexpectedly leaving BYU this spring after a since-dismissed civil sexual assault lawsuit.Three seasons after making the national title game, TCU has Josh Hoover (3,949 yards, 27 TDs) after a 9-4 season capped by four consecutive wins.<h2>Old coaches feeling some heat</h2>Only Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz in his 27th season has been with his FBS team longer than Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham. The Big 12's stalwarts are coming off huge disappointments in their 20th seasons.Utah was the presumptive favorite last year to be the team to make its Big 12 debut with a title, but had its first losing season (5-7, 2-7 Big 12) since 2013. Two-time Pac-12 champion quarterback Cam Rising had to “medically retire”, but dual-threat QB Devon Dampier followed new offensive coordinator Jason Beck from New Mexico.Oklahoma State was 3-9 and didn't win a conference game, its first losing season since Gundy's 4-7 debut in 2005. And there is still plenty of uncertainty with two new coordinators and a lot of transfers.“The changes in how we go about rebuilding, whether it’s financially or roster management, have been challenging but also intriguing,” Gundy said. "It’s different than it’s ever been before.”<h2>Familiar new coaches</h2>Scott Frost has reunited with UCF and Rich Rodriguez is back at West Virginia, but they are new coaches to the Big 12 since those schools weren't yet in the league when they were there.“Whatever head coaching spot, it takes you six to nine months to kind of get a lay of the land," Rodriguez said. "Well, West Virginia took six to nine minutes. ... But, then again, there’s also times of change.”The Mountaineers are in their 14th Big 12 season. They has three consecutive 11-win seasons in the Big East from 2005-07 before Rodriguez went to Michigan.This is UCF’s third Big 12 season. Frost coached UCF’s undefeated season out of the American Athletic Conference in 2017, when the Knights declared themselves national champions and he left for Nebraska.<h2>Games to watch</h2>TCU opens 2026 in Ireland against North Carolina, but this year will be in Chapel Hill as the visitor for Bill Belichick’s UNC debut on Labor Day night.The Horned Frogs two years ago lost their season opener in coach Deion Sanders' first game with Colorado. Sanders, who was treated this summer for bladder cancer, has his first Buffs game without a son on the team Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.Other notable games: No. 11 Arizona State at Baylor, and No. 23 Texas Tech at Utah, Sept. 20; TCU at No. 11 Arizona State, Sept. 26; No. 17 Kansas State at Baylor, Oct. 4; No. 11 Arizona State at Utah, Oct. 11; No. 23 Texas Tech at No. 11 Arizona State, Oct. 18; No. 11 Arizona State at No. 22 Iowa State, and No. 23 Texas Tech at No. 17 Kansas State on Nov. 1; Big 12 championship game, Dec. 6.

🏈 No. 11 Arizona State now seeks something special after Big 12 title debut in unpredictable league

HAYS, Kan. – One of the biggest questions marks for the Fort
Hays State football team entering this season is the secondary where the Tigers
are needing to replace four starters who combined for 106 career starts.

Redshirt junior Jaxon Kolzow is the lone returning starter
in the secondary. The Salina native played in all 11 games last season, earning
six starts at safety as the season progressed.

"It's definitely different," Kolzow said.
"We're having a whole bunch of guys step up. We've got a lot of
competition right now. We're pushing each other every single day to get better
and grow as a unit."

Despite the team's inexperience, Kolzow believes this year's
defense has the potential to be just as good as last season's. FHSU's defense
was one of the best in the MIAA, allowing a league-low 219.2 passing yards per
game and ranking second in total defense with 330 yards allowed. The Tigers
also finished second in the conference with a plus-eight turnover margin, which
ranked in the top 20 nationally.

"We definitely have the talent back there," Kolzow
said. "It's just everybody getting comfortable and growing with each
other. It takes time getting used to playing with different guys and learning a
whole new defense for some of these guys, but we're getting there."

With seven career starts, Kolzow now finds himself in a
leadership role.

"Last year we had a whole bunch of old guys, so they
kind of told me what to do," he said. "I took that experience from
them and I'm trying to implement that into this year."

By GERARD WELLBROCK 
 Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. – One of the biggest questions marks for the Fort
Hays State football team entering this season is the secondary where the Tigers
are needing to replace four starters who combined for 106 career starts.Redshirt junior Jaxon Kolzow is the lone returning starter
in the secondary. The Salina native played in all 11 games last season, earning
six starts at safety as the season progressed.<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/2153344713&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-fb-camp-kolzow" title="FHSU FB Camp - Kolzow" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU FB Camp - Kolzow</a></div></div>"It's definitely different," Kolzow said.
"We're having a whole bunch of guys step up. We've got a lot of
competition right now. We're pushing each other every single day to get better
and grow as a unit."Despite the team's inexperience, Kolzow believes this year's
defense has the potential to be just as good as last season's. FHSU's defense
was one of the best in the MIAA, allowing a league-low 219.2 passing yards per
game and ranking second in total defense with 330 yards allowed. The Tigers
also finished second in the conference with a plus-eight turnover margin, which
ranked in the top 20 nationally."We definitely have the talent back there," Kolzow
said. "It's just everybody getting comfortable and growing with each
other. It takes time getting used to playing with different guys and learning a
whole new defense for some of these guys, but we're getting there."With seven career starts, Kolzow now finds himself in a
leadership role."Last year we had a whole bunch of old guys, so they
kind of told me what to do," he said. "I took that experience from
them and I'm trying to implement that into this year."

🏈 Kolzow ready to lead FHSU's inexperienced secondary

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will have a disciplinary hearing with the NFL on Sept. 30 in New York, a person with knowledge of the schedule told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the details haven’t been announced, said Sue L. Robinson is scheduled to hear Rice’s case. Robinson is a former U.S. district judge who serves as the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association.

It’s the second time under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement that the league and the players’ union haven’t agreed on length of discipline, sending the case to Robinson. She presided over Deshaun Watson’s case in 2022.

Rice still has to serve a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-7a914217238f4fa8cbdacedf59d5a93f">30-day jail</a>&nbsp;sentence in the future for causing a chain-reaction crash last year on a Dallas highway that left multiple people injured. He already agreed to pay more than $1 million in a settlement with the victims.

Rice is returning from a knee injury that cut short his sophomore season in the NFL following a standout rookie campaign. He would be eligible to play the first four games, including a Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, before his hearing.

ESPN was first to report the date of Rice’s upcoming hearing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755254088971.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice takes a drink during Back Together Weekend at the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice takes a drink during Back Together Weekend at the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterKansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will have a disciplinary hearing with the NFL on Sept. 30 in New York, a person with knowledge of the schedule told The Associated Press on Thursday.The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the details haven’t been announced, said Sue L. Robinson is scheduled to hear Rice’s case. Robinson is a former U.S. district judge who serves as the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association.It’s the second time under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement that the league and the players’ union haven’t agreed on length of discipline, sending the case to Robinson. She presided over Deshaun Watson’s case in 2022.Rice still has to serve a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-7a914217238f4fa8cbdacedf59d5a93f">30-day jail</a>&nbsp;sentence in the future for causing a chain-reaction crash last year on a Dallas highway that left multiple people injured. He already agreed to pay more than $1 million in a settlement with the victims.Rice is returning from a knee injury that cut short his sophomore season in the NFL following a standout rookie campaign. He would be eligible to play the first four games, including a Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, before his hearing.ESPN was first to report the date of Rice’s upcoming hearing.

🏈 Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice's disciplinary hearing set for Sept. 30, AP source says

Thursday, August 14
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;Thursday, August 14
 noneFriday, August 15
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks, 8:00pmSaturday, August 16
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30pmSunday, August 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State wide receiver Ryan Allen is
looking to take his game to the next level in his final season. The senior from
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has played in all but one game of his career.

Last season, Allen started six games and set new career
highs with 28 receptions and 323 receiving yards. He also served as the Tigers'
primary punt returner.

"I struggled with beating man coverage, especially when
guys would get really physical," Allen said. "I wanted to focus on
getting off press coverage a lot this offseason, but my main goal is to just
help the team as best I can."

With the graduation of Jayden Horace and Shane Watts, the
Tigers need to replace two of their top three receivers from last season. Allen
believes the team has the players to do so.

"We’ve lost some guys, but we’ve also gained some guys
that are really going to help our team," Allen said. "I think they’ve
filled in and stepped up great. Young guys have really raised their level,
their play, and I think we’re going to really take it to the next level in the
receiving corps this year."

Last season, the Tigers ranked second in the MIAA in rushing
yards per game (169.3), sixth in passing (232.7) and third in points scored
(30.4). Allen is excited to improve on those numbers.

"We've got a lot of players that are capable of making
explosive plays, and that's all you can ask for - when your number gets called,
step up and make the play," he said. "I think everybody on the
offense is ready to do that."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755118807102.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State wide receiver Ryan Allen makes a catch during FHSU preseason practice. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State wide receiver Ryan Allen makes a catch during FHSU preseason practice. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK 
 Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State wide receiver Ryan Allen is
looking to take his game to the next level in his final season. The senior from
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has played in all but one game of his career.Last season, Allen started six games and set new career
highs with 28 receptions and 323 receiving yards. He also served as the Tigers'
primary punt returner.<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/2152686993&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-fb-camp-allen" title="FHSU FB Camp - Allen" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU FB Camp - Allen</a></div></div>"I struggled with beating man coverage, especially when
guys would get really physical," Allen said. "I wanted to focus on
getting off press coverage a lot this offseason, but my main goal is to just
help the team as best I can."With the graduation of Jayden Horace and Shane Watts, the
Tigers need to replace two of their top three receivers from last season. Allen
believes the team has the players to do so."We’ve lost some guys, but we’ve also gained some guys
that are really going to help our team," Allen said. "I think they’ve
filled in and stepped up great. Young guys have really raised their level,
their play, and I think we’re going to really take it to the next level in the
receiving corps this year."Last season, the Tigers ranked second in the MIAA in rushing
yards per game (169.3), sixth in passing (232.7) and third in points scored
(30.4). Allen is excited to improve on those numbers."We've got a lot of players that are capable of making
explosive plays, and that's all you can ask for - when your number gets called,
step up and make the play," he said. "I think everybody on the
offense is ready to do that."

🏈 Allen seeks to elevate game for Tigers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Daylen Lile’s two-out, ninth-inning single boosted the Washington Nationals over the Kansas City Royals 8-7 on Wednesday.

After the Royals tied the game in the eighth, Luis García Jr. doubled, then scored on Lile's single to right for the lead.

Jose A. Ferrer (4-3) recorded four outs for the win. Carlos Estévez (4-5) took the loss after allowing one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth.

The Nationals took a five-run lead in the first, highlighted by Nathaniel Lowe’s grand slam.

Royals starter Seth Lugo surrendered seven runs on six hits over four innings. The five runs in the first was his most since an eight-run fourth inning against the Dodgers on Aug. 7, 2023.

CJ Abrams hit his 16th homer leading off the fourth for a 7-3 Nationals lead.

The Royals chipped away with two runs in the first and one in the second before Vinnie Pasquantino’s three-run homer cut the Nationals lead to 7-6. Bobby Witt Jr. hit an eighth-inning sacrifice fly to tie the game.

Pasquantino has three homers and 11 RBIs in his last four games.

Nationals starter Jake Irvin allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks in four innings.

Kansas City hitters were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position against five Washington relievers.

The third of four Royals relievers, Luinder Avila made his major league debut pitching a hitless eighth.

Pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert stole second and third before scoring on Witt’s game-tying eighth-inning sacrifice fly.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-seth-lugo-extension-dc4a058fb1eb5c167e719a246baee7bf">inking a two-year contract extension</a>&nbsp;July 28, Lugo has allowed 18 earned runs in 18 1/3 innings while failing to get through six innings in four starts.

Nationals: RHP Brad Lord (3-6, 3.28 ERA) takes the mound in Washington against the Phillies.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Daylen Lile’s two-out, ninth-inning single boosted the Washington Nationals over the Kansas City Royals 8-7 on Wednesday.After the Royals tied the game in the eighth, Luis García Jr. doubled, then scored on Lile's single to right for the lead.Jose A. Ferrer (4-3) recorded four outs for the win. Carlos Estévez (4-5) took the loss after allowing one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth.The Nationals took a five-run lead in the first, highlighted by Nathaniel Lowe’s grand slam.Royals starter Seth Lugo surrendered seven runs on six hits over four innings. The five runs in the first was his most since an eight-run fourth inning against the Dodgers on Aug. 7, 2023.CJ Abrams hit his 16th homer leading off the fourth for a 7-3 Nationals lead.The Royals chipped away with two runs in the first and one in the second before Vinnie Pasquantino’s three-run homer cut the Nationals lead to 7-6. Bobby Witt Jr. hit an eighth-inning sacrifice fly to tie the game.Pasquantino has three homers and 11 RBIs in his last four games.Nationals starter Jake Irvin allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks in four innings.Kansas City hitters were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position against five Washington relievers.The third of four Royals relievers, Luinder Avila made his major league debut pitching a hitless eighth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert stole second and third before scoring on Witt’s game-tying eighth-inning sacrifice fly.<h2>Key stat</h2>Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-seth-lugo-extension-dc4a058fb1eb5c167e719a246baee7bf">inking a two-year contract extension</a>&nbsp;July 28, Lugo has allowed 18 earned runs in 18 1/3 innings while failing to get through six innings in four starts.<h2>Up next</h2>Nationals: RHP Brad Lord (3-6, 3.28 ERA) takes the mound in Washington against the Phillies.

⚾Daylen Lile’s 9th-inning single leads Nationals past Royals 

WICHITA, Kan. — The National Baseball Congress announced its 2025 NBC World Series All-Tournament team Wednesday and several Hays Larks were honored.

Pitchers Simon Lunsford and Julio Ramos were named NBC World Series All-Americans. Lunsford finished the tournament with a 1-0 record and did not give up an earned run while striking out nine in 6 2/3 innings. Ramos had 12 strikeouts over 9 1/3 innings and a 0.96 ERA.

The Larks finished 4-1 in the tournament, losing to the Lonestar (TX) Kraken in the semifinals.

The Hutchinson Monarchs, who blasted the Lonestar Kraken (Texas) 21-4 in the Aug. 2 championship game at Riverfront Stadium, had four players honored.

2025 NBS World Series All-Americans Pitchers Simon Lunsford - Hays Larks Bradyn McClure - Hutchinson Monarchs Julio Ramos - Hays Larks Brice Foster - Seattle Studs Trent Collier - Lonestar Kraken

Catcher Christian Olea - Alaska Goldpanners

Infielders Jackson Copeland - Seattle Studs Tony DeJesus - Lonestar Kraken Drew Bugner - Hutchinson Monarchs Noah Allison - Derby Twins

Outfielders Jake Gutierrez - Hutchinson Monarchs Preston Curtis - Lonestar Kraken Jaden Gustafson - Hutchinson Monarchs

Utility Aidan LeMasters - Top Prospects Academy Kado Robardy - Lonestar Kraken

Designated Hitter Matthew Pinal - Alaska Goldpanners

Manager Casey Lippoldt - Hutchinson Monarchs

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753052507019.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsWICHITA, Kan. — The National Baseball Congress announced its 2025 NBC World Series All-Tournament team Wednesday and several Hays Larks were honored.Pitchers Simon Lunsford and Julio Ramos were named NBC World Series All-Americans. Lunsford finished the tournament with a 1-0 record and did not give up an earned run while striking out nine in 6 2/3 innings. Ramos had 12 strikeouts over 9 1/3 innings and a 0.96 ERA.The Larks finished 4-1 in the tournament, losing to the Lonestar (TX) Kraken in the semifinals.The Hutchinson Monarchs, who blasted the Lonestar Kraken (Texas) 21-4 in the Aug. 2 championship game at Riverfront Stadium, had four players honored.2025 NBS World Series All-Americans Pitchers Simon Lunsford - Hays Larks Bradyn McClure - Hutchinson Monarchs Julio Ramos - Hays Larks Brice Foster - Seattle Studs Trent Collier - Lonestar KrakenCatcher Christian Olea - Alaska GoldpannersInfielders Jackson Copeland - Seattle Studs Tony DeJesus - Lonestar Kraken Drew Bugner - Hutchinson Monarchs Noah Allison - Derby TwinsOutfielders Jake Gutierrez - Hutchinson Monarchs Preston Curtis - Lonestar Kraken Jaden Gustafson - Hutchinson Monarchs Utility Aidan LeMasters - Top Prospects Academy Kado Robardy - Lonestar KrakenDesignated Hitter Matthew Pinal - Alaska GoldpannersManager Casey Lippoldt - Hutchinson Monarchs

⚾ Several Larks named to NBC World Series All-Tournament team

Wednesday, August 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 12:30pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;Wednesday, August 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 12:30pmThursday, August 14
 noneFriday, August 15
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks, 8:00pmSaturday, August 16
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30pmSunday, August 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino doubled, homered and drove in five runs as the Kansas City Royals topped the Washington Nationals 8-5 to reach the .500 mark for the second time since mid-June.

After a two-out, third-inning walk by Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr.’s infield hit, Pasquantino hit Mitchell Parker’s first-pitch fastball into the second row of the right field stands, a few feet inside the foul pole, expanding Kansas City’s lead to 4-0.

Pasquantino opened the scoring with a first-inning sacrifice fly and capped the Royals scoring with an RBI double in the seventh.

Jonathan India’s two-run homer extended Kansas City’s lead to 7-2 in the sixth.

Michael Wacha (7-9) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, his sixth consecutive start permitting fewer than three runs.

Lucas Erceg earned his second save with a hitless ninth.

In 5 1/3 innings, Parker (7-13) allowed five runs on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Over his last three starts — all losses — Parker has allowed 17 runs in 14 1/3 innings.

Leaping at the center field wall,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/randal-grichuk-flies-out-sharply-to-center-fielder-robert-hassell-iii?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Robert Hassell III robbed Randal Grichuk</a>&nbsp;of a solo home run in the fifth.

In the sixth, CJ Abrams scored when Witt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/michael-wacha-in-play-out-s-to-paul-dejong-wavtmn?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">misplayed Paul DeJong’s deep pop fly</a>, cutting the Royals lead to 4-2.

Abrams and James Wood collected two-out RBIs in the seventh. Wood recorded his fourth straight multihit game.

On Witt’s soft ground out between the plate and mound, Garcia hustled from first to third before scoring on Pasquantino’s sacrifice fly as Kansas City took a 1-0 lead in a hitless first inning.

Pasquantino leads the Royals 32 two-out RBIs and ranks second in the majors with 23 go-ahead RBIs.

Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (8-7, 4.90 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.46)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755053829399.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino doubled, homered and drove in five runs as the Kansas City Royals topped the Washington Nationals 8-5 to reach the .500 mark for the second time since mid-June.After a two-out, third-inning walk by Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr.’s infield hit, Pasquantino hit Mitchell Parker’s first-pitch fastball into the second row of the right field stands, a few feet inside the foul pole, expanding Kansas City’s lead to 4-0.Pasquantino opened the scoring with a first-inning sacrifice fly and capped the Royals scoring with an RBI double in the seventh.Jonathan India’s two-run homer extended Kansas City’s lead to 7-2 in the sixth.Michael Wacha (7-9) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, his sixth consecutive start permitting fewer than three runs.Lucas Erceg earned his second save with a hitless ninth.In 5 1/3 innings, Parker (7-13) allowed five runs on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Over his last three starts — all losses — Parker has allowed 17 runs in 14 1/3 innings.Leaping at the center field wall,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/randal-grichuk-flies-out-sharply-to-center-fielder-robert-hassell-iii?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Robert Hassell III robbed Randal Grichuk</a>&nbsp;of a solo home run in the fifth.In the sixth, CJ Abrams scored when Witt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/michael-wacha-in-play-out-s-to-paul-dejong-wavtmn?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">misplayed Paul DeJong’s deep pop fly</a>, cutting the Royals lead to 4-2.Abrams and James Wood collected two-out RBIs in the seventh. Wood recorded his fourth straight multihit game.<h2>Key moment</h2>On Witt’s soft ground out between the plate and mound, Garcia hustled from first to third before scoring on Pasquantino’s sacrifice fly as Kansas City took a 1-0 lead in a hitless first inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>Pasquantino leads the Royals 32 two-out RBIs and ranks second in the majors with 23 go-ahead RBIs.<h2>Up next</h2>Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (8-7, 4.90 ERA) opposes Royals RHP Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.46)

⚾ Pasquantino drives in 5 to lead the Royals past the Nationals 

HAYS, Kan. — For the first time since joining the Fort Hays
State University football team, Gaven Haselhorst is starting a season fully
healthy. After transferring from Kansas State following the 2021 season, the
former Hays High standout has been plagued by injuries.

He played in eight games, starting in seven, as a redshirt
freshman in 2022 before an injury ended his season early. The following season
in 2023, he was sidelined after just three starts and required surgery.
Haselhorst returned last season to play in all 11 games, making seven starts at
defensive end. He finished the season third on the team in tackles for loss
(6.0) and second in sacks (3.5), earning him a spot on the All-MIAA Third Team.

"This was my first spring ball at Fort Hays,"
Haselhorst said. "That was already huge for me to get through. This camp,
I'm feeling pretty good, so I'm just building on the little things I need to
work on, and I think it's helping a lot."

Haselhorst credits the extra practice time this spring with
elevating his game.

"I'd say working on the run game, working on my hand
placement and dropping down lower and playing with more leverage," he
said. "Then in the pass game, just working on my speed rush and stuff like
that."

The Tigers' defense is looking to replace seven starters
from a unit that led the MIAA last season, giving up less than 17 points per
game. Despite the inexperience, Haselhorst is confident in his defensive line.

"I feel like we're pretty deep in the defensive line
room," Haselhorst said. "We just have to stay on top of our bodies
and, like I said, keep working each day."

This season will reunite Haselhorst with former Hays High
teammate Gavin Meyers, who is in his first season with the Tigers after also
transferring from K-State. The two were a disruptive force for the Indians in
high school.

"It means a lot, man," Haselhorst said. "We
were really tight in high school, so this is awesome getting back together and
hopefully making some huge plays and making an impact on this defense
together."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755031265221.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State defensive end Gaven Haselhorst (8) takes on a blocker during FHSU preseason camp. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State defensive end Gaven Haselhorst (8) takes on a blocker during FHSU preseason camp. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK 
 Hays Post SportsHAYS, Kan. — For the first time since joining the Fort Hays
State University football team, Gaven Haselhorst is starting a season fully
healthy. After transferring from Kansas State following the 2021 season, the
former Hays High standout has been plagued by injuries.He played in eight games, starting in seven, as a redshirt
freshman in 2022 before an injury ended his season early. The following season
in 2023, he was sidelined after just three starts and required surgery.
Haselhorst returned last season to play in all 11 games, making seven starts at
defensive end. He finished the season third on the team in tackles for loss
(6.0) and second in sacks (3.5), earning him a spot on the All-MIAA Third Team.<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/2152140561&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-fb-camp-haselhorst" title="FHSU FB Camp - Haselhorst" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU FB Camp - Haselhorst</a></div></div>"This was my first spring ball at Fort Hays,"
Haselhorst said. "That was already huge for me to get through. This camp,
I'm feeling pretty good, so I'm just building on the little things I need to
work on, and I think it's helping a lot."Haselhorst credits the extra practice time this spring with
elevating his game."I'd say working on the run game, working on my hand
placement and dropping down lower and playing with more leverage," he
said. "Then in the pass game, just working on my speed rush and stuff like
that."The Tigers' defense is looking to replace seven starters
from a unit that led the MIAA last season, giving up less than 17 points per
game. Despite the inexperience, Haselhorst is confident in his defensive line."I feel like we're pretty deep in the defensive line
room," Haselhorst said. "We just have to stay on top of our bodies
and, like I said, keep working each day."This season will reunite Haselhorst with former Hays High
teammate Gavin Meyers, who is in his first season with the Tigers after also
transferring from K-State. The two were a disruptive force for the Indians in
high school."It means a lot, man," Haselhorst said. "We
were really tight in high school, so this is awesome getting back together and
hopefully making some huge plays and making an impact on this defense
together."

🏈 Haselhorst healthy and ready to lead FHSU defense

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Former Fort Hays State running back Shane Watts was signed by the New England Patriots of the National Football League on Tuesday. Watts is the first FHSU player to be signed by an NFL team since 2019 when Doyin Jibowu signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. The Tigers still have one other active player in the NFL, Nathan Shepherd of the New Orleans Saints, who enters his eighth year in the NFL in 2025 after being drafted by the New York Jets in 2018.

Just a few weeks back, Watts signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and was a member of the team's practice squad for a week before being released. He was the second Tiger to be signed by a CFL team in 2025, joining wide receiver Jayden Horace. Watts now looks for a chance with the Patriots, who are one game into the preseason. Their next preseason contest is against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, August 16 in Minneapolis.

Watts played four years at Fort Hays State and wrapped his collegiate career with All-America honors as one of the top running backs in NCAA Division II in 2024. He was an All-America Second Team selection in 2024 by three separate organizations, including the D2CCA, Associated Press (AP), and Don Hansen Football Committee. He was also named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Team. He was an All-MIAA First Team selection as an all-purpose back, finishing the year with 1,303 rushing yards and 449 receiving yards for 1,752 all-purpose yards. He scored 17 touchdowns for the season, including 13 rushing and four receiving.

By the end of the 2024 season, Watts ranked fourth nationally in all-purpose yards per game (160.8), fourth in total rushing yards, sixth in rushing yards per game (118.5), seventh in scoring (9.3 points per game), and eighth in total touchdowns. He became the first FHSU player in program history to rush for 200 or more yards in consecutive games, going for 201 against Missouri Southern on October 26 and then 250 against Emporia State on November 2.

Watts spent the first two years of his collegiate career as a defensive back with the Tigers, recording 14 tackles, before transitioning to the offensive side of the ball as a running back in 2023. In his two years as a running back, Watts produced a total of 1,979 rushing yards and 606 receiving yards with 23 total touchdowns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725067714453.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State running back Shane Watts breaks a 51-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of an NCAA football game vs. Angelo State on Friday, August 30, 2024. (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State running back Shane Watts breaks a 51-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of an NCAA football game vs. Angelo State on Friday, August 30, 2024. (Hays Post photo/Jeff Leiker)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Former Fort Hays State running back Shane Watts was signed by the New England Patriots of the National Football League on Tuesday. Watts is the first FHSU player to be signed by an NFL team since 2019 when Doyin Jibowu signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. The Tigers still have one other active player in the NFL, Nathan Shepherd of the New Orleans Saints, who enters his eighth year in the NFL in 2025 after being drafted by the New York Jets in 2018.Just a few weeks back, Watts signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and was a member of the team's practice squad for a week before being released. He was the second Tiger to be signed by a CFL team in 2025, joining wide receiver Jayden Horace. Watts now looks for a chance with the Patriots, who are one game into the preseason. Their next preseason contest is against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, August 16 in Minneapolis.Watts played four years at Fort Hays State and wrapped his collegiate career with All-America honors as one of the top running backs in NCAA Division II in 2024. He was an All-America Second Team selection in 2024 by three separate organizations, including the D2CCA, Associated Press (AP), and Don Hansen Football Committee. He was also named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Team. He was an All-MIAA First Team selection as an all-purpose back, finishing the year with 1,303 rushing yards and 449 receiving yards for 1,752 all-purpose yards. He scored 17 touchdowns for the season, including 13 rushing and four receiving.By the end of the 2024 season, Watts ranked fourth nationally in all-purpose yards per game (160.8), fourth in total rushing yards, sixth in rushing yards per game (118.5), seventh in scoring (9.3 points per game), and eighth in total touchdowns. He became the first FHSU player in program history to rush for 200 or more yards in consecutive games, going for 201 against Missouri Southern on October 26 and then 250 against Emporia State on November 2.Watts spent the first two years of his collegiate career as a defensive back with the Tigers, recording 14 tackles, before transitioning to the offensive side of the ball as a running back in 2023. In his two years as a running back, Watts produced a total of 1,979 rushing yards and 606 receiving yards with 23 total touchdowns.

🏈 Watts Signed by New England Patriots

Tuesday, August 12&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 6:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;Tuesday, August 12&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 6:00pmWednesday, August 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Washington Nationals, 12:30pmThursday, August 14
 noneFriday, August 15
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks, 8:00pmSaturday, August 16
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30pmSunday, August 17
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30pm