By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Tyler Stein says there’s nothing more exhilarating than swimming well at the state swim meet.

But he found out this weekend that watching youngsters he is coaching excel in the pool might be even better.

At this past weekend’s Class 5-1A Swimming and Diving State Championships in Lenexa, Coach Stein’s Hays High boys’ swim team closed out a historical season by breaking two school records.

“This was completely different as a coach,” said Stein, a former all-state swimmer in high school in his first year as the Indians’ coach. “I was concerned about them and not about myself, and to see how excited they were after breaking those records was so cool. It’s something they will remember the rest of their lives.”

In the final race of the day – the 400-yard freestyle relay – Hays High clipped more than five seconds off its time from the previous day in the preliminaries.

Their time of 3 minutes, 30.5 seconds in the finals erased the old school record of 3:34.17 that had stood for 12 years.

That not only was good enough to win the consolation finals with their ninth-place finish, but it also would have earned them the seventh-place medal had they been swimming in the medal round.

At state, the top eight times from the first day of competition advance to the last day’s medal round, while the 9th- through 16th-place times swim the consolation finals.

The Indians’ 400-yard relay foursome of senior Marshall Sook, sophomore Cedric Durr, and juniors Karsen Flaska and Chase Zadina turned in its best time to date (3:35.03) in Friday’s prelims.

That was the ninth-best prelim time that saw them finish just one place out of making the medal round. They then shattered the school record the next day.

“To erase that many seconds off a relay time in one day’s time is insane,” Stein said. “They were so pumped.”

Those same four swimmers also broke the school record in the 200-yard freestyle relay, placing 11th overall at state with a time of 1:34.39. That bettered the old mark of 1:34.93 set in 2014.

Sook closed out an unforgettable senior season, swimming personal-best times in two individual events – placing 13th overall in the 50-yard freestyle in 22.98 seconds and 12th in the 100-yard freestyle in 51.54.

Despite not having any swimmers in the top eight, the Indians still placed 14th in team scoring among the 44 participating schools.

“We had five swimmers competing at state, and some of those teams were triple that size – or more,” Stein said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. It was another reminder of how amazing this season was for us.”

And anyone associated with the 2025 season would have to agree.

Stein, a Fort Hays State University student majoring in finance, took over the Indians’ head coaching job just a few weeks before the start of the season.

Under his guidance, the Indians started to swim better every meet, bettering their times each time out.

Just one year ago, the Indians took just one relay team to state after reaching a state-consideration time.

This year’s team closed out the regular season with an impressive showing at the Western Athletic Conference Championships, finishing second in team scoring with their small roster while winning eight of the 11 events and bringing home 14 gold medals.

Throughout those last few weeks, the Indians qualified all three relay teams for state, along with Sook’s two individual events.

Junior Noah Schaeffer joined Flaska, Zadina and Durr on the 200-yard medley relay team at state that just missed the consolation finals with their 19th-place finish in the prelims.

“I’m excited for that relay team next year to see what they will be able to do,” Stein said, “because they will all be back.”

First, though, he is looking forward to coaching the HHS girls’ team this spring.

It’s safe to say that Stein has discovered something even more rewarding than winning a race himself.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740434197551.jpeg" alt="Members of Hays High’s 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay teams that broke school records at the state meet are from left: Chase Zadina, Karsen Flaska, Cedric Durr and Marshall Sook. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Members of Hays High’s 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay teams that broke school records at the state meet are from left: Chase Zadina, Karsen Flaska, Cedric Durr and Marshall Sook. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostTyler Stein says there’s nothing more exhilarating than swimming well at the state swim meet.But he found out this weekend that watching youngsters he is coaching excel in the pool might be even better.At this past weekend’s Class 5-1A Swimming and Diving State Championships in Lenexa, Coach Stein’s Hays High boys’ swim team closed out a historical season by breaking two school records.“This was completely different as a coach,” said Stein, a former all-state swimmer in high school in his first year as the Indians’ coach. “I was concerned about them and not about myself, and to see how excited they were after breaking those records was so cool. It’s something they will remember the rest of their lives.”The Indians saved the best for last.In the final race of the day – the 400-yard freestyle relay – Hays High clipped more than five seconds off its time from the previous day in the preliminaries.Their time of 3 minutes, 30.5 seconds in the finals erased the old school record of 3:34.17 that had stood for 12 years.That not only was good enough to win the consolation finals with their ninth-place finish, but it also would have earned them the seventh-place medal had they been swimming in the medal round.At state, the top eight times from the first day of competition advance to the last day’s medal round, while the 9th- through 16th-place times swim the consolation finals.The Indians’ 400-yard relay foursome of senior Marshall Sook, sophomore Cedric Durr, and juniors Karsen Flaska and Chase Zadina turned in its best time to date (3:35.03) in Friday’s prelims.That was the ninth-best prelim time that saw them finish just one place out of making the medal round. They then shattered the school record the next day.“To erase that many seconds off a relay time in one day’s time is insane,” Stein said. “They were so pumped.”Those same four swimmers also broke the school record in the 200-yard freestyle relay, placing 11th overall at state with a time of 1:34.39. That bettered the old mark of 1:34.93 set in 2014.Sook closed out an unforgettable senior season, swimming personal-best times in two individual events – placing 13th overall in the 50-yard freestyle in 22.98 seconds and 12th in the 100-yard freestyle in 51.54.Despite not having any swimmers in the top eight, the Indians still placed 14th in team scoring among the 44 participating schools.“We had five swimmers competing at state, and some of those teams were triple that size – or more,” Stein said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. It was another reminder of how amazing this season was for us.”And anyone associated with the 2025 season would have to agree.Stein, a Fort Hays State University student majoring in finance, took over the Indians’ head coaching job just a few weeks before the start of the season.Under his guidance, the Indians started to swim better every meet, bettering their times each time out.Just one year ago, the Indians took just one relay team to state after reaching a state-consideration time.This year’s team closed out the regular season with an impressive showing at the Western Athletic Conference Championships, finishing second in team scoring with their small roster while winning eight of the 11 events and bringing home 14 gold medals.Throughout those last few weeks, the Indians qualified all three relay teams for state, along with Sook’s two individual events.Junior Noah Schaeffer joined Flaska, Zadina and Durr on the 200-yard medley relay team at state that just missed the consolation finals with their 19th-place finish in the prelims.“I’m excited for that relay team next year to see what they will be able to do,” Stein said, “because they will all be back.”First, though, he is looking forward to coaching the HHS girls’ team this spring.It’s safe to say that Stein has discovered something even more rewarding than winning a race himself.

🏊‍♂️ Indian swimmers enjoy strong finish to record-breaking season

TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball improved to 6-4 overall on the season with a pair of wins at the Washburn Invitational on Monday. The Tigers defeated Maryville University 5-3 and then Minnesota Crookston 9-1. FHSU did not surrender any earned runs on the day. The Tigers are 3-1 so far at the event and play two more on Tuesday.

Fort Hays State 5, Maryville 3 The Tigers had a come-from-behind win in their first contest of the day. Maryville took a 2-0 lead in the third inning, but the Tigers immediately rallied past with three runs in the fourth. They added a pair in the sixth to go up 5-2 and then allowed just one more in the bottom half of the inning.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;threw another complete game for the Tigers, fresh off her career-high 14 strikeout performance on Sunday. She finished with five strikeouts and scattered six hits in the win. All three of the runs scored against her were unearned due to Tiger errors before runs scored in third and sixth. She moved to 3-2 overall on the season.

In the fourth inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/audrey-gillespie/8185">Audrey Gillespie</a>&nbsp;started the Tiger rally with a leadoff double.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;followed with an RBI single to cut the Maryville lead in half. A throwing error allowed the Tigers to score a second to tie the game and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-fitzgerald/8203">Taylor Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;added an RBI single to put the Tigers on top. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;single and another Maryville error in the sixth led to a two-RBI double by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/8189">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>, putting the Tigers up three before they went on to win by two.

Eight different Tigers recorded one hit in the game. Five of the eight hits were doubles. Mercedes Delgado took the loss for Maryville, throwing 3.1 innings with three runs allowed. Reliever Cora Boyle surrendered two runs.

Fort Hays State 9, Minnesota Crookston 1 (6 inn.) A big five-run third inning helped Fort Hays State run away with a run-rule win in six innings over Minnesota Crookston. The Tigers never trailed, scoring one in the first, five in the third, two in the fifth, and then one in the sixth to win in walk-off fashion.

A dropped fly ball in the first inning allowed the Tigers to score a run with two outs. In the third, a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/jules-bosco/8199">Jules Bosco</a>&nbsp;double and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/audrey-gillespie/8185">Audrey Gillespie</a>&nbsp;single set up a run of RBI chances.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;plated the first run with a single,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;doubled home a run,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-fitzgerald/8203">Taylor Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;had an RBI single, Mohr scored on a passed ball, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emily-mayer/8186">Emily Mayer</a>&nbsp;had a sac fly RBI to make it 6-0 in favor of the Tigers.

After the Golden Eagles picked up their only run of the game, benefitting from a Tiger error in the inning, the Tigers added three more to force the run rule.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/abbey-duarte/8206">Abbey Duarte</a>&nbsp;recorded an RBI double in the sixth and Fitzgerald came in to score on a throw that caught a Tiger runner trying to steal second. Mohr had the game-ending hit, an RBI single in the sixth.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/8190">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;went the distance for the Tigers, throwing six innings. She allowed five hits and two walks, while striking out seven. She moved to 3-2 on the season.

Riley Blake took the loss for UMC, throwing just one inning with one run allowed. Three other UMC pitchers were used in the contest.

Fort Hays State will take on Northern State (10 a.m.) and Minot State (2 p.m.) on Tuesday to wrap up their tournament schedule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740449369985.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsTOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball improved to 6-4 overall on the season with a pair of wins at the Washburn Invitational on Monday. The Tigers defeated Maryville University 5-3 and then Minnesota Crookston 9-1. FHSU did not surrender any earned runs on the day. The Tigers are 3-1 so far at the event and play two more on Tuesday.Fort Hays State 5, Maryville 3 The Tigers had a come-from-behind win in their first contest of the day. Maryville took a 2-0 lead in the third inning, but the Tigers immediately rallied past with three runs in the fourth. They added a pair in the sixth to go up 5-2 and then allowed just one more in the bottom half of the inning.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;threw another complete game for the Tigers, fresh off her career-high 14 strikeout performance on Sunday. She finished with five strikeouts and scattered six hits in the win. All three of the runs scored against her were unearned due to Tiger errors before runs scored in third and sixth. She moved to 3-2 overall on the season.In the fourth inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/audrey-gillespie/8185">Audrey Gillespie</a>&nbsp;started the Tiger rally with a leadoff double.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;followed with an RBI single to cut the Maryville lead in half. A throwing error allowed the Tigers to score a second to tie the game and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-fitzgerald/8203">Taylor Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;added an RBI single to put the Tigers on top. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;single and another Maryville error in the sixth led to a two-RBI double by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/8189">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>, putting the Tigers up three before they went on to win by two.Eight different Tigers recorded one hit in the game. Five of the eight hits were doubles. Mercedes Delgado took the loss for Maryville, throwing 3.1 innings with three runs allowed. Reliever Cora Boyle surrendered two runs.Fort Hays State 9, Minnesota Crookston 1 (6 inn.) A big five-run third inning helped Fort Hays State run away with a run-rule win in six innings over Minnesota Crookston. The Tigers never trailed, scoring one in the first, five in the third, two in the fifth, and then one in the sixth to win in walk-off fashion.A dropped fly ball in the first inning allowed the Tigers to score a run with two outs. In the third, a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/jules-bosco/8199">Jules Bosco</a>&nbsp;double and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/audrey-gillespie/8185">Audrey Gillespie</a>&nbsp;single set up a run of RBI chances.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;plated the first run with a single,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;doubled home a run,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-fitzgerald/8203">Taylor Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;had an RBI single, Mohr scored on a passed ball, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emily-mayer/8186">Emily Mayer</a>&nbsp;had a sac fly RBI to make it 6-0 in favor of the Tigers.After the Golden Eagles picked up their only run of the game, benefitting from a Tiger error in the inning, the Tigers added three more to force the run rule.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/abbey-duarte/8206">Abbey Duarte</a>&nbsp;recorded an RBI double in the sixth and Fitzgerald came in to score on a throw that caught a Tiger runner trying to steal second. Mohr had the game-ending hit, an RBI single in the sixth.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/8190">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;went the distance for the Tigers, throwing six innings. She allowed five hits and two walks, while striking out seven. She moved to 3-2 on the season.Riley Blake took the loss for UMC, throwing just one inning with one run allowed. Three other UMC pitchers were used in the contest.UP NEXTFort Hays State will take on Northern State (10 a.m.) and Minot State (2 p.m.) on Tuesday to wrap up their tournament schedule.

🥎 Tigers take pair on Monday at Washburn Invitational

MANHEIM, Pa. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling senior Tereus Henry&nbsp;will head into the postseason ranked No. 10 at 197 pounds in the latest NWCA NCAA Division II Coaches Rankings, released Monday by the coaches association.

A former All-American and three-time national qualifier, Henry opened his final season as a Tiger ranked eighth in the country. He was later ranked as low as 12th in December before climbing one spot in each of the last two releases.

The El Paso, Texas native is 11-5 overall this season, including a 6-1 mark in duals and an 8-3 record against Division II competition. He has five bonus-point wins on the year, including two pins, two major decisions and one technical fall.

He is 1-2 against other ranked opponents this season, including a major decision win over No. 11 Ryan Cody (Colorado School of Mines) and losses against No. 5 Jackson Kinsella (Nebraska-Kearney) and No. 14 Kaine Morris (Ashland).Henry, Cody and Kinsella will be joined by one other ranked wrestler at the Super Region VI Championships this weekend in eighth-ranked Gabe Carranza (Colorado Mesa). Action in the regional is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CT (10 a.m. MT) in Gunnison, Colo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740430029227.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMANHEIM, Pa. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling senior Tereus Henry&nbsp;will head into the postseason ranked No. 10 at 197 pounds in the latest NWCA NCAA Division II Coaches Rankings, released Monday by the coaches association.A former All-American and three-time national qualifier, Henry opened his final season as a Tiger ranked eighth in the country. He was later ranked as low as 12th in December before climbing one spot in each of the last two releases.The El Paso, Texas native is 11-5 overall this season, including a 6-1 mark in duals and an 8-3 record against Division II competition. He has five bonus-point wins on the year, including two pins, two major decisions and one technical fall.He is 1-2 against other ranked opponents this season, including a major decision win over No. 11 Ryan Cody (Colorado School of Mines) and losses against No. 5 Jackson Kinsella (Nebraska-Kearney) and No. 14 Kaine Morris (Ashland).Henry, Cody and Kinsella will be joined by one other ranked wrestler at the Super Region VI Championships this weekend in eighth-ranked Gabe Carranza (Colorado Mesa). Action in the regional is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CT (10 a.m. MT) in Gunnison, Colo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♂️ FHSU's Henry enters postseason ranked 10th at 197

Hays High senior Wyatt Kirkpatrick hasn't lived in Hays his whole life. Following a move from Owasso, Oklahoma, one of the early things the family did was attend Fort Hays State University football games.

Fast forward years later and Kirkpatrick is now a Tiger himself. The Indian senior signed his National Letter of Intent last Wednesday.

Kirkpatrick played linebacker and was the team's long snapper. That duality was an intrigue for FHSU.

As a linebacker, Kirkpatrick led Hays High with tackles at 101 this past season. He also recorded ten tackles for loss, a sack, forced two fumbles and recovered two more. His career totaled 234 tackles, 21 for loss, one sack, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a punt block that he also scored on.

The vast majority of those stats were totaled in his two years starting on varsity. Kirkpatrick had to wait for his playing days behind other outstanding linebackers that were older than him.

Those linebackers included Gavin Meyers, Wyatt Waddell and Evan Lind. Even during Kirkpatrick's senior year he would go back and watch the film of those guys play to keep picking up learning points.

Stories like that led head football coach Tony Crough to call Kirkpatrick a "total culture kid that came up through the program." The timeline though goes further back than just high school. Crough was reviewing some old film when he looked at the kids filling the role of ball boy. Kirkpatrick along with now fellow seniors Cooper Lindenmeyer, Carter Graham and Dalton Meyers where those kids.

As Kirkpatrick looks back at his career the focus lands on the 2024 campaign. "It was a movie" he said. Among the memories he listed the cold, rainy game during the playoffs in Great Bend and the win over Eisenhower to secure the schools first ever state title game experience.&nbsp;

Hays High senior Wyatt Kirkpatrick hasn't lived in Hays his whole life. Following a move from Owasso, Oklahoma, one of the early things the family did was attend Fort Hays State University football games.Fast forward years later and Kirkpatrick is now a Tiger himself. The Indian senior signed his National Letter of Intent last Wednesday.Wyatt Kirkpatrick<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2041391724&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/wyatt-kirkpatrick" title="Wyatt Kirkpatrick" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Wyatt Kirkpatrick</a></div></div>Kirkpatrick played linebacker and was the team's long snapper. That duality was an intrigue for FHSU.As a linebacker, Kirkpatrick led Hays High with tackles at 101 this past season. He also recorded ten tackles for loss, a sack, forced two fumbles and recovered two more. His career totaled 234 tackles, 21 for loss, one sack, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a punt block that he also scored on.The vast majority of those stats were totaled in his two years starting on varsity. Kirkpatrick had to wait for his playing days behind other outstanding linebackers that were older than him.Those linebackers included Gavin Meyers, Wyatt Waddell and Evan Lind. Even during Kirkpatrick's senior year he would go back and watch the film of those guys play to keep picking up learning points.Stories like that led head football coach Tony Crough to call Kirkpatrick a "total culture kid that came up through the program." The timeline though goes further back than just high school. Crough was reviewing some old film when he looked at the kids filling the role of ball boy. Kirkpatrick along with now fellow seniors Cooper Lindenmeyer, Carter Graham and Dalton Meyers where those kids.Coach Tony Crough<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2041391540&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tony-crough-on-wyatt" title="Tony Crough on Wyatt Kirkpatrick" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Crough on Wyatt Kirkpatrick</a></div></div>As Kirkpatrick looks back at his career the focus lands on the 2024 campaign. "It was a movie" he said. Among the memories he listed the cold, rainy game during the playoffs in Great Bend and the win over Eisenhower to secure the schools first ever state title game experience.&nbsp;

🏈 Wyatt Kirkpatrick inks with Fort Hays State

Mary Ann (Erbert) Wing, 88, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at HaysMed.

Mary Ann was born to parents Bernard Erbert and Anna (Dreiling) Erbert on November 11, 1936, in Ellis, Kansas.

She was a homemaker before returning to work as the Deputy Register of Deeds for Ellis County.

After graduating high school, Mary Ann moved to Hays to begin her career. She met Dale Wing and they married on November 23, 1957.

She then became a mother to Les (Treasa) Wing, Kingman, Kansas; Peggy Wing Stramel, Hays, Kansas; Marilee Wing, Lone Tree, Colorado; Karen Wing Von Hoene, Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and Amy Wing, Lawrence, Kansas. She was a loving grandmother to Tyler (Rhonda) Wing, Sean (Barbara Peters) Wing, Alex Wing, Jack Von Hoene, and Anna Von Hoene, and a great-grandmother to Allison Wing, Isabella Wing, Victoria Wing, and Evelyn Wing.

She is survived by her immediate family and her sister Paula (Erbert) Kroeger.&nbsp;She was predeceased by her husband Dale, her parents, brothers Bernie Erbert, Robert (Althea) Erbert, George (Evelyn) Erbert, brother-in-law Verlyn Kroeger, and son-in-law Robert Von Hoene.

Mary Ann was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was an avid reader, extremely intelligent, witty and had a great sense of humor. She loved games and puzzles and could be a fierce competitor, especially in the annual Trivial Pursuit contests. She was artistic and talented and used her creativity in ways that made life special for those around her.

She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays. Mary Ann deeply missed Dale and we will deeply miss her.

Deepening shadows gather splendor As day is done Fingers of night will soon surrender. The setting sun I count the moments, darling 'Til you're here with me Together at last at twilight time In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Mary Ann are asked to make donations to a local charity of their choice.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes ~ Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740417896651.jpeg" alt="Mary Ann (Erbert) Wing" />
 <figcaption>Mary Ann (Erbert) Wing</figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Ann (Erbert) Wing, 88, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at HaysMed.Mary Ann was born to parents Bernard Erbert and Anna (Dreiling) Erbert on November 11, 1936, in Ellis, Kansas.She was a homemaker before returning to work as the Deputy Register of Deeds for Ellis County.After graduating high school, Mary Ann moved to Hays to begin her career. She met Dale Wing and they married on November 23, 1957.She then became a mother to Les (Treasa) Wing, Kingman, Kansas; Peggy Wing Stramel, Hays, Kansas; Marilee Wing, Lone Tree, Colorado; Karen Wing Von Hoene, Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and Amy Wing, Lawrence, Kansas. She was a loving grandmother to Tyler (Rhonda) Wing, Sean (Barbara Peters) Wing, Alex Wing, Jack Von Hoene, and Anna Von Hoene, and a great-grandmother to Allison Wing, Isabella Wing, Victoria Wing, and Evelyn Wing.She is survived by her immediate family and her sister Paula (Erbert) Kroeger.&nbsp;She was predeceased by her husband Dale, her parents, brothers Bernie Erbert, Robert (Althea) Erbert, George (Evelyn) Erbert, brother-in-law Verlyn Kroeger, and son-in-law Robert Von Hoene.Mary Ann was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was an avid reader, extremely intelligent, witty and had a great sense of humor. She loved games and puzzles and could be a fierce competitor, especially in the annual Trivial Pursuit contests. She was artistic and talented and used her creativity in ways that made life special for those around her.She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays. Mary Ann deeply missed Dale and we will deeply miss her.Deepening shadows gather splendor As day is done Fingers of night will soon surrender. The setting sun I count the moments, darling 'Til you're here with me Together at last at twilight time In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Mary Ann are asked to make donations to a local charity of their choice.Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes ~ Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Mary Ann (Erbert) Wing

Barbara Lea (Reichel) Baus, 93, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

Barbara was born on a farm northeast of Bison, Kansas, on September 19, 1931, the daughter of Henry and Esther (Foos) Reichel. Barbara always said she bounced into the world, as her mom worked in the field with a tractor that day.

Barbara grew up learning how to work. She and her brother, Caroll, were 14 months apart, therefore they learned how to work before they played. Caroll passed away in 1950.

Electricity, TV, radio, air conditioning and fans were not part of their lives.

Her dad won a radio in 1935 when Humburgs had a drawing. Needless to say, they had their ears glued to the radio at night. Of course, the radio was battery run.

They also did not have an indoor bathroom, oh the wonderful feel of an outhouse! A washtub in the wash house was their bathtub. The kids took a bath in the same water and only used it once a week. In the summertime, their dad made a shower house with a barrel for water on top. The sun would heat the water, and the bath felt so good.

Barbara’s younger brother, Arnold Neal, came along in 1935.

Barbara remembers her dad using horses and a hay wagon to put up alfalfa and wheat straw. She couldn’t remember the tractor her mom worked with on the day she was born, but she does remember when her dad got a new McCormick Deering tractor. It had lug wheels and an iron seat that you didn’t sit on, because it jarred your body too much and you would have round holes imprinted on your behind.

Barbara had to feed the chickens, help milk cows, help separate the milk and carry 5-gallon buckets in each hand across the yard to slop the pigs. Barbara’s job was also to wash the separator. All of this had to be done before she and her brother walked ½ mile across the field to school.

Barbara went to Pleasant Valley District #53 school for seven years. When her brother, Caroll, went to high school, Barbara finished 8th grade at Bison Grade School, Bison, Kansas.

Barbara attended Bison High School, Bison, Kanas. In those “good old days," girls wore dresses or skirts; boys wore casual pants, no jeans.

Barbara graduated in May, 1949. The night was dreary and rainy. The electricity had gone out, so they used barn lanterns for light.

Barbara played softball and basketball. No school had a girls basketball team, so the girls played B-team boys. Barbara always thought the girls had an edge, as the boys were afraid to touch them. All their games were played during school time. When Barbara was a junior, the boys played their games at night.

After graduating from high school, Barbara worked at the Ben Franklin Store in La Crosse, Kansas. She stayed at a home in town, where she had only one bedroom. It cost $5.00 a week. Barbara earned a little over $24.00 a week. She spent $1.00 a day for food and still put $10.00 away for savings. She worked from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Bill rolled into Barbara’s life one Saturday night. They met in the bowling alley. They dated for 3 ½ years, and were married on September 9, 1951, at the Methodist Church in Bison, Kansas.

Barbara moved to Bill's farm, northeast of Alexander, Kansas, where she continued to still do the chores she did before.

Bill had three jobs plus his farming. When he had to be on a job, Barbara had to do the field work, no umbrella or cab. They ate a lot of dirt when they were in the field. Barbara helped harvest but would never run the combine. She drove the tractor to pull it. When self-propelled combines came into view, Bill and Barbara bought one. She ran the pickup and truck, no lift, to get the grain to the elevator or to shovel the wheat into a bin.

When Bill and Barbara were blessed with Janet in 1952, Debra in 1957, and Mark in 1960, it made for more planning to get everything done.

Electricity didn’t get to their farm until 1953. They had a 120-volt light plant for lights.

When Janet went to high school, Barbara started working in town. She worked at Galen’s Men’s Wear. Then in 1970, she started working at L &amp; W Implement &amp; car dealership as a secretary. Later she worked at the appraiser’s office in the courthouse for eight years. She served on the Farm Bureau Board for 17 years.

Bill and Barbara were sponsors for “The Up With People” sing out, America Young people from Rush County. She belonged to the EHU group at Alexander, Kansas, the Review Club, Sorority organization at McCracken, Kansas, and was on the Rush County Health Board &amp; Extension Board.

Bill and Barbara went to the Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Kansas, when it was moved from the country church northeast of Alexander, Kansas, in 1953. They were Luther League sponsors for young people, sang in the church choir, and were involved in the Women of the Church until they were no longer able to function. Barbara was a substitute organist for many years, then organist for 17 years until she retired in 2016. She also served on the church board nine years.

Barbara started baking wedding cakes in 1954 and made cakes and catered for 64 years.

Barbara made many quilts. One year she embroidered 13 sets of tea towels for her family. She also made many crochet afghans.

Barbara sang at many weddings and funerals until her vocal cords were damaged by coughing.

In 2010 Bill and Barbara moved to McCracken, Kansas, after she had a heart attack in 2009 and Bill lost his leg in 2007.

Bill passed away in 2018 and Barbara moved to La Crosse, Kansas, in 2019.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Henry and Esther Reichel; and her brothers, Caroll and Arnold Neal.

Survivors include: two daughters, Janet Hayes (Ted), Wichita, Kansas, and Debra Schuckman (Myron), Wichita, Kansas; one son, Mark Baus (Ann), La Crosse, Kansas; 10 grandchildren, Celi Jensby (Matt), Chad Warner (Cissi), Cari Palesano (Jeremy), Casey Warner (Robin), Christopher Schuckman (Katie), Carissa Schuckman (Jordan), Caley Clinkscales (Daniel), Veronica Kimple (Daniel), Leah Johnson (Nick) and Olivia Baus; 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Barbara made many friends from childhood to her time of death. She saw plenty of water over and under a bridge. She also remembers her great-grandfather Schwindt and her great-grandfather Krug.

All of her ancestors came from Germany via Ellis Island.

Visitation will be Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas. A prayer service will be at 7:30 P.M.

Church visitation will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:50 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Phyllis Burdge officiating.

Interment will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery in the country, three miles northeast of Alexander, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the First Lutheran Church, La Crosse, Kansas, or the McCracken Public Library, McCracken, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.janousekfuneralhome.com">www.janousekfuneralhome.com</a>.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740412648092.jpeg" alt="Barbara Lea (Reichel) Baus" />
 <figcaption>Barbara Lea (Reichel) Baus</figcaption>
 </figure>Barbara Lea (Reichel) Baus, 93, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.Barbara was born on a farm northeast of Bison, Kansas, on September 19, 1931, the daughter of Henry and Esther (Foos) Reichel. Barbara always said she bounced into the world, as her mom worked in the field with a tractor that day.Barbara grew up learning how to work. She and her brother, Caroll, were 14 months apart, therefore they learned how to work before they played. Caroll passed away in 1950.Electricity, TV, radio, air conditioning and fans were not part of their lives.Her dad won a radio in 1935 when Humburgs had a drawing. Needless to say, they had their ears glued to the radio at night. Of course, the radio was battery run.They also did not have an indoor bathroom, oh the wonderful feel of an outhouse! A washtub in the wash house was their bathtub. The kids took a bath in the same water and only used it once a week. In the summertime, their dad made a shower house with a barrel for water on top. The sun would heat the water, and the bath felt so good.Each one of the kids had chores to do.Barbara’s younger brother, Arnold Neal, came along in 1935.Barbara remembers her dad using horses and a hay wagon to put up alfalfa and wheat straw. She couldn’t remember the tractor her mom worked with on the day she was born, but she does remember when her dad got a new McCormick Deering tractor. It had lug wheels and an iron seat that you didn’t sit on, because it jarred your body too much and you would have round holes imprinted on your behind.Barbara had to feed the chickens, help milk cows, help separate the milk and carry 5-gallon buckets in each hand across the yard to slop the pigs. Barbara’s job was also to wash the separator. All of this had to be done before she and her brother walked ½ mile across the field to school.Barbara went to Pleasant Valley District #53 school for seven years. When her brother, Caroll, went to high school, Barbara finished 8th grade at Bison Grade School, Bison, Kansas.Barbara attended Bison High School, Bison, Kanas. In those “good old days," girls wore dresses or skirts; boys wore casual pants, no jeans.Barbara graduated in May, 1949. The night was dreary and rainy. The electricity had gone out, so they used barn lanterns for light.Barbara played softball and basketball. No school had a girls basketball team, so the girls played B-team boys. Barbara always thought the girls had an edge, as the boys were afraid to touch them. All their games were played during school time. When Barbara was a junior, the boys played their games at night.After graduating from high school, Barbara worked at the Ben Franklin Store in La Crosse, Kansas. She stayed at a home in town, where she had only one bedroom. It cost $5.00 a week. Barbara earned a little over $24.00 a week. She spent $1.00 a day for food and still put $10.00 away for savings. She worked from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.Bill rolled into Barbara’s life one Saturday night. They met in the bowling alley. They dated for 3 ½ years, and were married on September 9, 1951, at the Methodist Church in Bison, Kansas.Barbara moved to Bill's farm, northeast of Alexander, Kansas, where she continued to still do the chores she did before.Bill had three jobs plus his farming. When he had to be on a job, Barbara had to do the field work, no umbrella or cab. They ate a lot of dirt when they were in the field. Barbara helped harvest but would never run the combine. She drove the tractor to pull it. When self-propelled combines came into view, Bill and Barbara bought one. She ran the pickup and truck, no lift, to get the grain to the elevator or to shovel the wheat into a bin.When Bill and Barbara were blessed with Janet in 1952, Debra in 1957, and Mark in 1960, it made for more planning to get everything done.Electricity didn’t get to their farm until 1953. They had a 120-volt light plant for lights.When Janet went to high school, Barbara started working in town. She worked at Galen’s Men’s Wear. Then in 1970, she started working at L &amp; W Implement &amp; car dealership as a secretary. Later she worked at the appraiser’s office in the courthouse for eight years. She served on the Farm Bureau Board for 17 years.Bill and Barbara were sponsors for “The Up With People” sing out, America Young people from Rush County. She belonged to the EHU group at Alexander, Kansas, the Review Club, Sorority organization at McCracken, Kansas, and was on the Rush County Health Board &amp; Extension Board.Bill and Barbara went to the Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Kansas, when it was moved from the country church northeast of Alexander, Kansas, in 1953. They were Luther League sponsors for young people, sang in the church choir, and were involved in the Women of the Church until they were no longer able to function. Barbara was a substitute organist for many years, then organist for 17 years until she retired in 2016. She also served on the church board nine years.Barbara started baking wedding cakes in 1954 and made cakes and catered for 64 years.Barbara made many quilts. One year she embroidered 13 sets of tea towels for her family. She also made many crochet afghans.Barbara sang at many weddings and funerals until her vocal cords were damaged by coughing.In 2010 Bill and Barbara moved to McCracken, Kansas, after she had a heart attack in 2009 and Bill lost his leg in 2007.Bill passed away in 2018 and Barbara moved to La Crosse, Kansas, in 2019.Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Henry and Esther Reichel; and her brothers, Caroll and Arnold Neal.Survivors include: two daughters, Janet Hayes (Ted), Wichita, Kansas, and Debra Schuckman (Myron), Wichita, Kansas; one son, Mark Baus (Ann), La Crosse, Kansas; 10 grandchildren, Celi Jensby (Matt), Chad Warner (Cissi), Cari Palesano (Jeremy), Casey Warner (Robin), Christopher Schuckman (Katie), Carissa Schuckman (Jordan), Caley Clinkscales (Daniel), Veronica Kimple (Daniel), Leah Johnson (Nick) and Olivia Baus; 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.Barbara made many friends from childhood to her time of death. She saw plenty of water over and under a bridge. She also remembers her great-grandfather Schwindt and her great-grandfather Krug.All of her ancestors came from Germany via Ellis Island.Visitation will be Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas. A prayer service will be at 7:30 P.M.Church visitation will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:50 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church, La Crosse, Kansas.Funeral service will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Phyllis Burdge officiating.Interment will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery in the country, three miles northeast of Alexander, Kansas.In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the First Lutheran Church, La Crosse, Kansas, or the McCracken Public Library, McCracken, Kansas.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.janousekfuneralhome.com">www.janousekfuneralhome.com</a>.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Barbara Lea (Reichel) Baus

Monday, February 24
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Colorado, 8:30pm

Tuesday, February 25
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Dodge City, 5:40pm

Wednesday, February 26
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Thursday, February 27
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WMBKB
vs. Medicine Lodge, 5:40pm

Friday, February 28
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Great Bend, 5:40pm

Saturday, March 1
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Texas Tech, 11:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Nebraska-Kearney, 1:35pm

Monday, February 24
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Colorado, 8:30pmTuesday, February 25
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Dodge City, 5:40pmWednesday, February 26
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmThursday, February 27
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WMBKB
vs. Medicine Lodge, 5:40pmFriday, February 28
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Great Bend, 5:40pmSaturday, March 1
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Texas Tech, 11:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB at Nebraska-Kearney, 1:35pmSunday, March 2 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The Fort Hays State men open their final homestand of the season against Missouri Southern State on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

The Fort Hays State men open their final homestand of the season against Missouri Southern State on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind- MBB vs. Missouri Southern State" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pfqm6-1813ff9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB vs. Missouri Southern

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

An event coming in March will celebrate inclusion with dance.

Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is a vibrant dance recital in Hays.

The free event, which will take place on March 2 at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University, begins with raffle sales at 4 p.m. and ends with the show at 5 p.m.

DSNWK, Styles Dance Centre and two high school students are leading the event to raise funds and awareness for individuals with disabilities.

Hays High School senior Allison Dreiling and Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Macara Rohr have long participated in Dancing Together and are now choreographing and planning the event.

"Music is such a good thing for individuals with disabilities, and it just reaches a different part of their brain. They all love it so much," Dreiling said.

"Getting to see their faces is so much fun," Rohr said. "Getting to be more a part of it was a big thing for me."

Dancing Together includes a raffle with donated baskets from local businesses and community members. Proceeds benefit DSNWK's Spring Fling, an annual gathering for individuals with disabilities across 18 counties.

Raffle prizes include coolers, sneakers and gift cards. Tickets are priced at $1 each, $5 for six and $20 for 25.

Styles Dance Centre owner Alyssa DeChant said the event originated from a Fort Hays State University leadership class. It has since grown into an annual tradition and is Rohr's chosen class project with assistance from Dreiling.

"It really is inspiring. It's truly my favorite show of our season," DeChant said.

The Dancing Together event has been in the works since December and brings together participants ages 5 to 60 as they prepare to take the stage for their big performance.

Alison Krier of DSNWK said their clients were excited when they learned about the practice. They asked about it daily until they arrived at the center to rehearse in large and small groups.

"They have a blast when they get here. They're very excited," Krier said. "They enjoy meeting all of the different partners that they get assigned with, being able to have a fun day out of classes and day services."

Steve Keil, DSNWK's development director, enjoys watching connections form between the dancers and the individuals his organization serves.

"Inclusion is a real possibility. Inclusion is part of how we should be as a community and society," Keil said.

You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dsnwk">DSNWK </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stylesdancecentre">Styles Dance Centre</a> on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066284241.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants at rehearsal at the Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Courtesy Photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants at rehearsal at the Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Courtesy Photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostAn event coming in March will celebrate inclusion with dance.Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is a vibrant dance recital in Hays.The free event, which will take place on March 2 at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University, begins with raffle sales at 4 p.m. and ends with the show at 5 p.m.DSNWK, Styles Dance Centre and two high school students are leading the event to raise funds and awareness for individuals with disabilities.Hays High School senior Allison Dreiling and Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Macara Rohr have long participated in Dancing Together and are now choreographing and planning the event."Music is such a good thing for individuals with disabilities, and it just reaches a different part of their brain. They all love it so much," Dreiling said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066387362.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for&nbsp;Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for&nbsp;Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066430674.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Getting to see their faces is so much fun," Rohr said. "Getting to be more a part of it was a big thing for me."Dancing Together includes a raffle with donated baskets from local businesses and community members. Proceeds benefit DSNWK's Spring Fling, an annual gathering for individuals with disabilities across 18 counties.Raffle prizes include coolers, sneakers and gift cards. Tickets are priced at $1 each, $5 for six and $20 for 25.Styles Dance Centre owner Alyssa DeChant said the event originated from a Fort Hays State University leadership class. It has since grown into an annual tradition and is Rohr's chosen class project with assistance from Dreiling."It really is inspiring. It's truly my favorite show of our season," DeChant said.The Dancing Together event has been in the works since December and brings together participants ages 5 to 60 as they prepare to take the stage for their big performance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066473719.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066574376.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Alison Krier of DSNWK said their clients were excited when they learned about the practice. They asked about it daily until they arrived at the center to rehearse in large and small groups."They have a blast when they get here. They're very excited," Krier said. "They enjoy meeting all of the different partners that they get assigned with, being able to have a fun day out of classes and day services."Steve Keil, DSNWK's development director, enjoys watching connections form between the dancers and the individuals his organization serves."Inclusion is a real possibility. Inclusion is part of how we should be as a community and society," Keil said.You can follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dsnwk">DSNWK </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stylesdancecentre">Styles Dance Centre</a> on Facebook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066643347.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740066680000.jpeg" alt="Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dancing Together for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas participants rehearsing at Styles Dance Centre in Hays. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Dancing Together for DSNWK set for March 2 in Hays

BriefSpace is located at 219 W. 10th, Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739898727085.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Grow Hays BriefSpace is located at 219 W. 10th, Hays.

Housing update to be presented by Grow Hays at March 11 lunch

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2025/rockhurst/boxscore/13339">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2025/wayne-state-neb-/boxscore/13337">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball moved to 4-4 overall on the&nbsp; season by splitting its day of competition at the Washburn Invitational. The Tigers scored a walk-off win in nine innings over Rockhurst by a score of 3-2 before falling by one in a 9-8 decision to Wayne State (Neb.).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;had a complete game and career-high 14 strikeouts in the win over Rockhurst.

Fort Hays State 3, Rockhurst 2 (9 inn.) The first contest of the day was a pitcher's duel between&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;of FHSU and Madeline McCall of Rockhurst. The teams played to a scoreless tie through seven innings, so the international tiebreaking format began in the eighth. Each team scored a run in the eighth and then FHSU had a two-out rally in the ninth to flip a 2-1 deficit to a 3-2 win.

Egger reached a career-high 12 strikeouts four times at FHSU prior to Sunday, including once against Rockhurst back in 2023. However, with the pair of extra innings, she pushed her career high to 14 after recording 11 through seven. She struck out two in an inning five times throughout the contest.

After the Hawks pushed across their runner on second base to start the eighth, FHSU pushed its run across on a two-out single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/8189">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>, which extended the game another inning. In the ninth, the Hawks brought home their run on a double, but the Tigers had more two-out magic in the bottom half when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/8182">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;delivered back-to-back RBI singles to win the game.

Wayne State (Neb.) 9, Fort Hays State 8 The Tigers never led in their second contest of the day, falling down 6-1 early before chipping away and nearly catching the Wildcats at the end. FHSU trailed 9-4 going into the seventh and produced a four-run rally that ended just short of either tying the game or taking the lead. Wayne State held on for a 9-8 win.

The Tigers had five RBIs in the game, including two from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;and one from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/8182">Regan Curry</a>. Two Tiger runs were scored on wild pitches and one on a passed ball. Pierce finished 2-for-2 at the plate and scored three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-fitzgerald/8203">Taylor Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;also had two hits in the game.

The Wildcats had five different players record a multi-hit game. Leah Chance was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate. FHSU had four different pitchers appear, starting with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/8190">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;(1.2 IP) followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/korryn-johnson/8197">Korryn Johnson</a>&nbsp;(1.1 IP),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/kylie-caspersen/8205">Kylie Caspersen</a>&nbsp;(2.1 IP), and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/myah-wolfe/8202">Myah Wolfe</a>&nbsp;(0.2 IP). Schmidt took the loss with five runs allowed.

Kennadi Borngrebe picked up the win in relief for Wayne State. She allowed four runs (three earned) over 3.0 innings. Sami Felt got the final out with the Tigers rallying to pick up a save.

Fort Hays State plays back-to-back on Monday with games at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. against Minnesota Crookston and Maryville.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740395044148.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2025/rockhurst/boxscore/13339">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2025/wayne-state-neb-/boxscore/13337">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball moved to 4-4 overall on the&nbsp; season by splitting its day of competition at the Washburn Invitational. The Tigers scored a walk-off win in nine innings over Rockhurst by a score of 3-2 before falling by one in a 9-8 decision to Wayne State (Neb.).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;had a complete game and career-high 14 strikeouts in the win over Rockhurst.Fort Hays State 3, Rockhurst 2 (9 inn.) The first contest of the day was a pitcher's duel between&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;of FHSU and Madeline McCall of Rockhurst. The teams played to a scoreless tie through seven innings, so the international tiebreaking format began in the eighth. Each team scored a run in the eighth and then FHSU had a two-out rally in the ninth to flip a 2-1 deficit to a 3-2 win.Egger reached a career-high 12 strikeouts four times at FHSU prior to Sunday, including once against Rockhurst back in 2023. However, with the pair of extra innings, she pushed her career high to 14 after recording 11 through seven. She struck out two in an inning five times throughout the contest.After the Hawks pushed across their runner on second base to start the eighth, FHSU pushed its run across on a two-out single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/8189">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>, which extended the game another inning. In the ninth, the Hawks brought home their run on a double, but the Tigers had more two-out magic in the bottom half when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/8182">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;delivered back-to-back RBI singles to win the game.Wayne State (Neb.) 9, Fort Hays State 8 The Tigers never led in their second contest of the day, falling down 6-1 early before chipping away and nearly catching the Wildcats at the end. FHSU trailed 9-4 going into the seventh and produced a four-run rally that ended just short of either tying the game or taking the lead. Wayne State held on for a 9-8 win.The Tigers had five RBIs in the game, including two from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;and one from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/8182">Regan Curry</a>. Two Tiger runs were scored on wild pitches and one on a passed ball. Pierce finished 2-for-2 at the plate and scored three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-fitzgerald/8203">Taylor Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;also had two hits in the game.The Wildcats had five different players record a multi-hit game. Leah Chance was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate. FHSU had four different pitchers appear, starting with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/8190">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;(1.2 IP) followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/korryn-johnson/8197">Korryn Johnson</a>&nbsp;(1.1 IP),&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/kylie-caspersen/8205">Kylie Caspersen</a>&nbsp;(2.1 IP), and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/myah-wolfe/8202">Myah Wolfe</a>&nbsp;(0.2 IP). Schmidt took the loss with five runs allowed.Kennadi Borngrebe picked up the win in relief for Wayne State. She allowed four runs (three earned) over 3.0 innings. Sami Felt got the final out with the Tigers rallying to pick up a save.UP NEXTFort Hays State plays back-to-back on Monday with games at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. against Minnesota Crookston and Maryville.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers split pair of one-run games at Washburn Invitational

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=13441">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=13442">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>

FORT SMITH, Ark. - The Fort Hays State baseball team opened its conference schedule with a doubleheader sweep against Arkansas-Fort Smith on Sunday, winning 9-3 and 2-1 at Crowder Field. The Tigers are now 7-4 overall and 2-0 in MIAA play, while the Lions dip to 5-6 on the year and 0-2 in league action.

Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;came up huge for the Tigers in game one, going 4-for-6 at the plate with three RBI. Cade Flaherty&nbsp;tossed a gem in the second game, tossing a complete game while matching his career high with 10 strikeouts.

The Tigers and Lions will wrap up their series on Monday (Feb. 24) beginning at 1 p.m. before FHSU returns to Larks Park for three-straight weekend series.

GAME 1: Fort Hays State 9, Arkansas-Fort Smith 3 Fort Hays State set the tone early in the opener, scoring in the top of the first thanks to a two-out rally. After the first two batters of the game struck out, Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;swung at the first pitch he saw and delivered a double to center. Derek Woolwine&nbsp;then worked a walk before DeGarmo came through with an RBI single to center field.

Ty Riley&nbsp;(3-0) also took care of business from the jump, allowing just one hit over the first three innings. The righty's performance gave the Tiger bats a chance to add to its lead in the top of the third. Another two-out rally started when Herrmann was hit by a pitch. Woolwine followed with a single before DeGarmo turned in another RBI single, doubling the Tiger lead.

The home team managed to tie the score in the bottom of the fourth off three hits and a walk, but Fort Hays State answered right back with two more runs in the next half inning. Tony Moore&nbsp;led off with a double before Isiah Ural put runners on the corners with a single. Herrmann was again hit by a pitch in the next plate appearances, loading the bases for Woolwine who drove in one with a single. Another run came in to score when DeGarmo grounded into a double play, putting FHSU up 4-2.

Riley gave up just two more hits over his last two innings of work while striking out three batters in the sixth to end his day with eight strikeouts over 6 innings pitched.

The Tigers kept things rolling down the stretch, adding two runs in the sixth before scoring single runs in each of the last three frames. Moore worked a bases-loaded walk in the sixth to make the score 5-2 before Isaiah Ural lifted a sacrifice fly to center. Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;made the score 7-2 in the top of the seventh with another sacrifice fly before DeGarmo drove in another run in the eighth with an RBI bunt.

Branson Chavez&nbsp;came out of the bullpen in the seventh inning to slam the door and collect his third save, allowing just one run on two hits over 3.0 innings while striking out eight of the 12 batters he faced. Another bases loaded walk to Woolwine gave Fort Hays State its ninth run in the top of the ninth.

DeGarmo collected four hits in the win, while Ural finished 3-of-5 with two runs. Moore, Woolwine and Cooper Howell&nbsp;all had two hits each.

GAME 2: Fort Hays State 2, Arkansas-Fort Smith 1 Moore and Ural led off game two with a pair of singles, but the Tigers were unable to take advantage. Flaherty took to the mound and also worked around a leadoff single to post a scoreless first, but the Lions were able to strike first with a run in the second.

Flaherty settled in after that, retiring nine in a row over the next three frames while allowing no more than one baserunner in any inning the rest of the way. The senior allowed just one run on five hits and three walks while striking out 10 batters over the complete game.

While Flaherty was dealing on the mound, the Tigers were unable to get much going on offense. FHSU did not manage another hit until the sixth and added another in the seventh but were unable to do anything with the baserunners.

The Tigers finally broke through in the eighth when Luis Ayala&nbsp;led off with a single. The catcher moved up 90 feet on a sacrifice bunt before coming in to score on a two-out RBI from Moore, leveling the score at one.

The Lions stranded a man on second in the home half of the eighth before Fort Hays State took its first lead of the game in the ninth. Herrmann led off the inning with a double before Woolwine reached on a dropped fly ball, allowing Herrmann to advance to third. The first baseman later scampered home on a wild pitch, scoring an unearned, go-ahead run.

Flaherty sealed the deal by retiring the last six batters he faced, including his 10th punchout for the last out of the game.

Moore had three of FHSU's seven hits in the game, while Herrmann added two hits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740361810801.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=13441">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=13442">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>FORT SMITH, Ark. - The Fort Hays State baseball team opened its conference schedule with a doubleheader sweep against Arkansas-Fort Smith on Sunday, winning 9-3 and 2-1 at Crowder Field. The Tigers are now 7-4 overall and 2-0 in MIAA play, while the Lions dip to 5-6 on the year and 0-2 in league action.Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;came up huge for the Tigers in game one, going 4-for-6 at the plate with three RBI. Cade Flaherty&nbsp;tossed a gem in the second game, tossing a complete game while matching his career high with 10 strikeouts.The Tigers and Lions will wrap up their series on Monday (Feb. 24) beginning at 1 p.m. before FHSU returns to Larks Park for three-straight weekend series.GAME 1: Fort Hays State 9, Arkansas-Fort Smith 3 Fort Hays State set the tone early in the opener, scoring in the top of the first thanks to a two-out rally. After the first two batters of the game struck out, Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;swung at the first pitch he saw and delivered a double to center. Derek Woolwine&nbsp;then worked a walk before DeGarmo came through with an RBI single to center field.Ty Riley&nbsp;(3-0) also took care of business from the jump, allowing just one hit over the first three innings. The righty's performance gave the Tiger bats a chance to add to its lead in the top of the third. Another two-out rally started when Herrmann was hit by a pitch. Woolwine followed with a single before DeGarmo turned in another RBI single, doubling the Tiger lead.The home team managed to tie the score in the bottom of the fourth off three hits and a walk, but Fort Hays State answered right back with two more runs in the next half inning. Tony Moore&nbsp;led off with a double before Isiah Ural put runners on the corners with a single. Herrmann was again hit by a pitch in the next plate appearances, loading the bases for Woolwine who drove in one with a single. Another run came in to score when DeGarmo grounded into a double play, putting FHSU up 4-2.Riley gave up just two more hits over his last two innings of work while striking out three batters in the sixth to end his day with eight strikeouts over 6 innings pitched.The Tigers kept things rolling down the stretch, adding two runs in the sixth before scoring single runs in each of the last three frames. Moore worked a bases-loaded walk in the sixth to make the score 5-2 before Isaiah Ural lifted a sacrifice fly to center. Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;made the score 7-2 in the top of the seventh with another sacrifice fly before DeGarmo drove in another run in the eighth with an RBI bunt.Branson Chavez&nbsp;came out of the bullpen in the seventh inning to slam the door and collect his third save, allowing just one run on two hits over 3.0 innings while striking out eight of the 12 batters he faced. Another bases loaded walk to Woolwine gave Fort Hays State its ninth run in the top of the ninth.DeGarmo collected four hits in the win, while Ural finished 3-of-5 with two runs. Moore, Woolwine and Cooper Howell&nbsp;all had two hits each.GAME 2: Fort Hays State 2, Arkansas-Fort Smith 1 Moore and Ural led off game two with a pair of singles, but the Tigers were unable to take advantage. Flaherty took to the mound and also worked around a leadoff single to post a scoreless first, but the Lions were able to strike first with a run in the second.Flaherty settled in after that, retiring nine in a row over the next three frames while allowing no more than one baserunner in any inning the rest of the way. The senior allowed just one run on five hits and three walks while striking out 10 batters over the complete game.While Flaherty was dealing on the mound, the Tigers were unable to get much going on offense. FHSU did not manage another hit until the sixth and added another in the seventh but were unable to do anything with the baserunners.The Tigers finally broke through in the eighth when Luis Ayala&nbsp;led off with a single. The catcher moved up 90 feet on a sacrifice bunt before coming in to score on a two-out RBI from Moore, leveling the score at one.The Lions stranded a man on second in the home half of the eighth before Fort Hays State took its first lead of the game in the ninth. Herrmann led off the inning with a double before Woolwine reached on a dropped fly ball, allowing Herrmann to advance to third. The first baseman later scampered home on a wild pitch, scoring an unearned, go-ahead run.Flaherty sealed the deal by retiring the last six batters he faced, including his 10th punchout for the last out of the game.Moore had three of FHSU's seven hits in the game, while Herrmann added two hits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers sweep Arkansas-Fort Smith in MIAA opener

INDIANOLA, Iowa -Former Hays High state champion wrestler Sarah Zimmerman has qualified for the&nbsp; NCWWC Championships. Zimmerman, who is a sophomore at NCAA Division III Simpson College (IA), went 3-1 and placed third at the&nbsp;NCWWC REGION VII hosted by Simpson College.

Zimmerman made a statement with a commanding 10-0 shutout over Wartenburg's Hope Chiatello to open her day. After falling to eventual champion and No. 2 ranked Ava Bayless, Zimmerman responded with back-to-back pins to clinch the third place finish and trip to nationals. Her final pin over Paw Hobza (Sioux Falls) came in just 27 seconds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740412470212.jpeg" alt="Simpson College Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Simpson College Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostINDIANOLA, Iowa -Former Hays High state champion wrestler Sarah Zimmerman has qualified for the&nbsp; NCWWC Championships. Zimmerman, who is a sophomore at NCAA Division III Simpson College (IA), went 3-1 and placed third at the&nbsp;NCWWC REGION VII hosted by Simpson College.Zimmerman made a statement with a commanding 10-0 shutout over Wartenburg's Hope Chiatello to open her day. After falling to eventual champion and No. 2 ranked Ava Bayless, Zimmerman responded with back-to-back pins to clinch the third place finish and trip to nationals. Her final pin over Paw Hobza (Sioux Falls) came in just 27 seconds.

🤼‍♀️ Former HHS standout heading to nationals

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Heart of America group and its work on commercial and housing development in Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays: Heart of America Organization" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=ae6ub-1810294-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the Heart of America group and its work on commercial and housing development in Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses Heart of American group

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

An Italian immigrant raised in Pennsylvania met the love of his life in the little town of Antonino, Kansas, during World War II.&nbsp;

It was an 80-year love story that would burn brightly through war, sickness and even death.&nbsp;

Jo Ann Jennings of Hays told the incredible love story of Frank Malizia and his wartime bride Irene Deter during a presentation at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.

The <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">Hays Arts Council</a>, of which Jennings is vice president of the board, sponsored the event. The center accepted free-will donations for its Heart of Hays capital campaign.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b3802757-2724-44c4-9b56-cca58f4db683">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Arts Council launches $3M capital campaign</a>

Jennings met Malizia through her connection with the Coffelt database, the most comprehensive collection of information on U.S. Armed Forces casualties in Vietnam.

Jennings's husband, Richard Coffelt, with the assistance of others, established the database over many years. It is now available to access for free through the National Archives.

After Richard’s death, a veteran's magazine published a story in 2013 about the database. Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. This led him to contact Jennings.

This would spark a friendship that would span years and 227 pages of correspondence between Jennings and Malizia in which Frank detailed his love story with Irene and the eventual heartbreak that followed.

Jennings said the couple's love story came through the letter in short "chapters," as Frank called them, as he said he would become too emotional to share all of his memories of Irene at once.

Frank was born in Italy. Shortly after he was born his father left to settle in America. When Frank was 7, he and his mother came to the United States on a ship, entered the country through Ellis Island and joined Frank's Father in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

In his first letter to Jennings, Frank explained how the article had sparked memories of his time at Walker Airbase and Great Bend during World War II.

Frank was drafted into the Army in 1942. He was based in Salt Lake City before being transferred to Great Bend. He was friends with Sylvester Sauer, an Ellis native.

Malizia wrote in his first letter about “the most beautiful girl in the world” from Antonino, whom he met through Sauer at a local dance.&nbsp;

“At that time in my life, I didn’t dance,” he said, “but at the end of the evening, Sylvester introduced me to this beautiful girl from Antonino, Kansas. Wow! Was I overcome! I asked this beautiful girl if the next time I was in town if she would like to go to a movie, and she said all right,” Malizia said in his first letter to Jennings.

Malizia rented a bike built for two, and the lovebirds took a ride into the country.

"I was so, so impressed with her," Malizia wrote. "I just had to see her again. This beautiful girl was 17, and I was 21. We hit it off great. I proposed to this beautiful girl from Kansas."

After receiving the letter, Jennings realized the couple's anniversary was approaching, so she, accompanied by her mother, took flowers to Irene's grave.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087128143.jpeg" alt="Frank and Irene (Dater) Malizia, met when Frank was stationed in Great Bend during World War II. Irene was from Antonino. The couple were married on Nov. 23, 1943. After visiting Irene's grave for almost 80 years, Frank was recently buried next to the love of his life in the Antonino cemetery. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Frank and Irene (Dater) Malizia, met when Frank was stationed in Great Bend during World War II. Irene was from Antonino. The couple were married on Nov. 23, 1943. After visiting Irene's grave for almost 80 years, Frank was recently buried next to the love of his life in the Antonino cemetery. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740088607786.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAn Italian immigrant raised in Pennsylvania met the love of his life in the little town of Antonino, Kansas, during World War II.&nbsp;It was an 80-year love story that would burn brightly through war, sickness and even death.&nbsp;Jo Ann Jennings of Hays told the incredible love story of Frank Malizia and his wartime bride Irene Deter during a presentation at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.The <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">Hays Arts Council</a>, of which Jennings is vice president of the board, sponsored the event. The center accepted free-will donations for its Heart of Hays capital campaign.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b3802757-2724-44c4-9b56-cca58f4db683">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Arts Council launches $3M capital campaign</a>Jennings met Malizia through her connection with the Coffelt database, the most comprehensive collection of information on U.S. Armed Forces casualties in Vietnam.Jennings's husband, Richard Coffelt, with the assistance of others, established the database over many years. It is now available to access for free through the National Archives.After Richard’s death, a veteran's magazine published a story in 2013 about the database. Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. This led him to contact Jennings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087712280.jpeg" alt="Irene Dater of Antonino when she was 16 or 17 years old. Irene met soldier Frank Malizia at a local dance when he was stationed in Great Bend. He referred to the woman who later became his wife as "the most beautiful girl." Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Irene Dater of Antonino when she was 16 or 17 years old. Irene met soldier Frank Malizia at a local dance when he was stationed in Great Bend. He referred to the woman who later became his wife as "the most beautiful girl." Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>This would spark a friendship that would span years and 227 pages of correspondence between Jennings and Malizia in which Frank detailed his love story with Irene and the eventual heartbreak that followed.Jennings said the couple's love story came through the letter in short "chapters," as Frank called them, as he said he would become too emotional to share all of his memories of Irene at once.Frank was born in Italy. Shortly after he was born his father left to settle in America. When Frank was 7, he and his mother came to the United States on a ship, entered the country through Ellis Island and joined Frank's Father in New Castle, Pennsylvania.In his first letter to Jennings, Frank explained how the article had sparked memories of his time at Walker Airbase and Great Bend during World War II.Frank was drafted into the Army in 1942. He was based in Salt Lake City before being transferred to Great Bend. He was friends with Sylvester Sauer, an Ellis native.Malizia wrote in his first letter about “the most beautiful girl in the world” from Antonino, whom he met through Sauer at a local dance.&nbsp;“At that time in my life, I didn’t dance,” he said, “but at the end of the evening, Sylvester introduced me to this beautiful girl from Antonino, Kansas. Wow! Was I overcome! I asked this beautiful girl if the next time I was in town if she would like to go to a movie, and she said all right,” Malizia said in his first letter to Jennings.Malizia rented a bike built for two, and the lovebirds took a ride into the country."I was so, so impressed with her," Malizia wrote. "I just had to see her again. This beautiful girl was 17, and I was 21. We hit it off great. I proposed to this beautiful girl from Kansas."The two were married on Nov. 23, 1943.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087876844.jpeg" alt="Irene was pregnant when Frank was deployed to the Pacific during World War II. She signed this photo to her husband, "Love Irene." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Irene was pregnant when Frank was deployed to the Pacific during World War II. She signed this photo to her husband, "Love Irene." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>After receiving the letter, Jennings realized the couple's anniversary was approaching, so she, accompanied by her mother, took flowers to Irene's grave.&nbsp;Jennings mother, who was about the same age as Frank, heard the story and was filled with questions. Jennings was at first reluctant to pry."He'll tell me when he wants to tell me," she told her mother.Her mother said, "Jo Ann, he's 92."But Frank was forthcoming, laying out more of his life with Irene in letter after letter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740089574355.jpeg" alt="A copy of Frank Malizia's first letter to Jo Ann Jennings. Frank would send 225 more pages of correspondence to Jennings of Hays over the next 10 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A copy of Frank Malizia's first letter to Jo Ann Jennings. Frank would send 225 more pages of correspondence to Jennings of Hays over the next 10 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Irene became pregnant with a son. Before Irene gave birth, Frank was deployed to the Pacific.&nbsp;Irene went into labor. She was taken to the hospital in Hays, but the doctor was unavailable.Jennings said it is unclear what happened next, but according to Frank, a belt was tied either around Irene's belly or her legs to keep her from delivering before the doctor arrived. As a result, the baby, which the couple named Robert, was stillborn. He was buried in the Antonino cemetery."I think Frank never really got over that because even after the war ended and he came back to Hays, he went to the hospital to try to find answers to what happened with Robert, but he was told it would be best if he didn't cause any trouble," Jennings said.After the end of the war, Irene and Frank moved back to Frank's home in Pennsylvania.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740088026357.jpeg" alt="Irene and Frank after WWII. Tragically, shortly after the couple's daughter, Carol Ann, was born, Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Irene and Frank after WWII. Tragically, shortly after the couple's daughter, Carol Ann, was born, Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Irene became pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby, Carol Ann, on Dec. 8, 1946.About a month after Carol Ann was born,&nbsp;Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The family worked with multiple doctors seeking treatment for Irene. She was in sanitoriums in Pennsylvania and then Illinois.Despite Frank and the doctor's efforts, Irene's condition deteriorated."She was 19 years old. Imagine. She was 19 years old, and she tells him, 'I think I'm dying. I have a 1-year-old baby and a wonderful husband. I don't think I'm going to live, and I want to go home to my mother and dad," Jennings said.Against the doctors' recommendations, Frank hired a private car for himself and Irene and returned to Kansas. Doctors saw Irene in Wichita before being transferred to another sanitorium in Norton. Frank worked at a meat packing plant in Hays during the week and visited Irene in Norton on the weekends.Irene died on May 30, 1949, of tuberculosis at the age of 22. She was buried in the Antonino cemetery next to their infant son, Robert.Frankn said of Irene in the very first letter to Jennings, "I never stopped loving that most beautiful girl from Antonino."Irene's parents had been raising Carol, but Frank decided to return to Pennsylvania, where he raised Carol Ann. He later told Jennings that taking his daughter out of Kansas and away from her maternal family was one of the biggest regrets of his life."At that time, I was 27. I had been in a major war. I lost the love of my life. I had a 2-1/2-year-old. I didn't know what I was going to do," Frank told Jennings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740088265878.jpeg" alt="Members of the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, along with the husband of one of Frank's cousins, serve as pallbearers as soldier Frank&nbsp;Malizia is finally laid to rest next to his first wife, Irene, and their infant son, Robert, in the&nbsp;Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Frank, who lost his wife when he was 27, was just short of 102. He said he never stopped loving Irene. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, along with the husband of one of Frank's cousins, serve as pallbearers as soldier Frank&nbsp;Malizia is finally laid to rest next to his first wife, Irene, and their infant son, Robert, in the&nbsp;Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Frank, who lost his wife when he was 27, was just short of 102. He said he never stopped loving Irene. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank would go on to have a full life. He remarried about 20 years after he lost Irene. He had two more children, Kim and Frank. However, his second marriage ended in divorce.&nbsp;Frank retired as a Hotel and Restaurant Owner of the Leslie Hotel, The Hut and Dino's. He had also worked as a food equipment salesman.According to his obituary, he also&nbsp;enjoyed playing Bocce, going golfing and having coffee with friends.Frank told Jennings that since Irene's death, he had been traveling every other year to Antonino from his home in Pennsylvania to decorate his former wife's grave.&nbsp;On one of these trips, Jennings and Frank met and spent about two weeks together. Frank shared more stories about Irene and his time in Kansas.He continued to travel back to Ellis County to visit Irene until his health began to fail.&nbsp;He asked Jennings to continue the tradition of visits to Irene's grave.On Jan. 12, just short of his 102nd birthday, Frank died. His last request was to be buried next to Irene in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087447985.jpeg" alt="The Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard stands at attention during a graveside service for Sgt. Frank Malizia, who was buried beside his wartime bride, Irene, on Jan. 23 in the&nbsp;Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>The Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard stands at attention during a graveside service for Sgt. Frank Malizia, who was buried beside his wartime bride, Irene, on Jan. 23 in the&nbsp;Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>On a blustery day on Jan. 23, with a cousin, Jennings, a couple of members of the Antonino parish, Father Curtis Carlson, and the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, Frank finally rejoined Irene."It's a long love story," Jennings said. "We should all be so lucky to be loved for 80 years and a love that was deep and strong."Frank asked Jennings to continue visiting and maintaining his and Irene's graves in the small cemetery off a lonely road in Antonino."I had been taking care of Irene's grave since I found out about this love story, and I promised I would take care of his, the two of them," Jennings said. "As long as I'm here, it is now my responsibility."She said she usually takes flowers near the anniversary of Irene's death, which falls close to Memorial Day. She also decorates the graves on Frank and Irene's anniversary."And I shall do it as long as I can for both of them," she said.