By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post Sports
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."