The 8th-ranked Fort Hays State women continue their four-game road swing against rival Washburn on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Lee Arena in Topeka, Kan.

The 8th-ranked Fort Hays State women continue their four-game road swing against rival Washburn on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Lee Arena in Topeka, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB at Washburn" 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=25k2c-17e3790-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-WBB at Washburn

Monday, February 3
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Iowa State, 6:30pm

Tuesday, February 4
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Sunrise Christian Academy, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Trego, 5:40pm
 KKQY: Phillipsburg MWBKB at Hill City, approx. 5:45pm

Wednesday, February 5
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm

Thursday, February 6
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Northeastern State, 5:05pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WMBKB at Salina-Sacred Heart, 5:40pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Friday, February 7
 KKQY: Plainville
MWBKB at Norton, 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Dodge City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Smith Center, 5:40pm

Saturday, February 8
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Kansas State, 11:30am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith, 1:35pm

Sunday, February 9
 KKQY: Super Bowl LIX,
1pm

Monday, February 3
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Iowa State, 6:30pmTuesday, February 4
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
vs. Sunrise Christian Academy, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Trego, 5:40pm
 KKQY: Phillipsburg MWBKB at Hill City, approx. 5:45pmWednesday, February 5
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pmThursday, February 6
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Northeastern State, 5:05pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian WMBKB at Salina-Sacred Heart, 5:40pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, February 7
 KKQY: Plainville
MWBKB at Norton, 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Dodge City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Smith Center, 5:40pmSaturday, February 8
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Kansas State, 11:30am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith, 1:35pmSunday, February 9
 KKQY: Super Bowl LIX,
1pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Jim VanSteenhouse came face-to-face with a grizzly bear and lived to share his story at the Hays Super Buck Dinner.

His Feb. 1 appearance at the North Oak Community Church also included antler competitions and giveaways to foster connections between faith and outdoor enthusiasm.

Following a dinner, VanSteenhouse took the stage to share his harrowing September 2015 encounter and the lasting scars it left behind.

VanSteenhouse is an adventurer and archery enthusiast from Houston who ventured to Canada’s Mackenzie Mountain Range to pursue a moose hunt.

After being dropped off by helicopter, VanSteenhouse and his Canadian guide, Jordan Wagner, found themselves in a remote area where they spotted a large grizzly bear but initially dismissed it.

On Sept. 5, the fourth day of the trip and miles from base camp, VanSteenhouse’s role shifted from hunting to being hunted when he was suddenly ambushed.

"When Jordan said 'Bear,' he wasn't looking at me. It's like he was looking straight through me," he said.

Wagner fires a shot to scare off the bear, and despite VanSteenhouse's efforts to escape, the bear charges and attacks VanSteenhouse.

The bear lunges at VanSteenhouse, targeting his head and shoulders as he attempts to shield himself. The grizzly bites into both shoulders, his right hip, left thigh, a calf and a hand.

"As my hand got caught up in his mouth, it just started snapping like twigs,"&nbsp;VanSteenhouse said. "I'll never forget the way that he smelled. He smelled like death."

Caught in the grizzly’s powerful jaws, he believed his life was ending and questioned if he was ready for heaven. At that moment, his thoughts turned to his wife and daughter.

"I open my eyes, and out of the left corner of my eye, I see the bear's nostrils right there. His nostrils were close, and I could feel the air just sucking into his nose," he said.

VanSteenhouse was then dragged more than 100 yards down the rain-soaked mountain. When he tried to wipe the water from his face, he realized his fingers were twisted in unnatural directions.

He then attempts to wipe his face with his forearm, only to realize it was blood streaming from his head. Struggling to his feet, VanSteenhouse stumbles up the hill in search of Wagner, leaving a trail of red on the green moss beneath him.

VanSteenhouse reunites with Wagner, and after several failed rescue attempts using a satellite phone, a helicopter finally arrives to evacuate him.

VanSteenhouse credits his survival in the near-fatal attack to the "grace of God" and the courage of Wagner, an experience that forever changed his life.

Not only did he escape death, he found renewed faith, strengthened his marriage, and founded Bear Man Ministries to share his story and inspire others.

You can find more information on his <a href="https://thebearman.com/">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738511104431.jpeg" alt="Jim Van Steenhouse speaking at the Hays Super Buck Dinner at North Oak Community Church. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jim Van Steenhouse speaking at the Hays Super Buck Dinner at North Oak Community Church. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostJim VanSteenhouse came face-to-face with a grizzly bear and lived to share his story at the Hays Super Buck Dinner.His Feb. 1 appearance at the North Oak Community Church also included antler competitions and giveaways to foster connections between faith and outdoor enthusiasm.Following a dinner, VanSteenhouse took the stage to share his harrowing September 2015 encounter and the lasting scars it left behind.VanSteenhouse is an adventurer and archery enthusiast from Houston who ventured to Canada’s Mackenzie Mountain Range to pursue a moose hunt.After being dropped off by helicopter, VanSteenhouse and his Canadian guide, Jordan Wagner, found themselves in a remote area where they spotted a large grizzly bear but initially dismissed it.On Sept. 5, the fourth day of the trip and miles from base camp, VanSteenhouse’s role shifted from hunting to being hunted when he was suddenly ambushed."When Jordan said 'Bear,' he wasn't looking at me. It's like he was looking straight through me," he said.Wagner fires a shot to scare off the bear, and despite VanSteenhouse's efforts to escape, the bear charges and attacks VanSteenhouse.The bear lunges at VanSteenhouse, targeting his head and shoulders as he attempts to shield himself. The grizzly bites into both shoulders, his right hip, left thigh, a calf and a hand."As my hand got caught up in his mouth, it just started snapping like twigs,"&nbsp;VanSteenhouse said. "I'll never forget the way that he smelled. He smelled like death."Caught in the grizzly’s powerful jaws, he believed his life was ending and questioned if he was ready for heaven. At that moment, his thoughts turned to his wife and daughter."I open my eyes, and out of the left corner of my eye, I see the bear's nostrils right there. His nostrils were close, and I could feel the air just sucking into his nose," he said.VanSteenhouse was then dragged more than 100 yards down the rain-soaked mountain. When he tried to wipe the water from his face, he realized his fingers were twisted in unnatural directions.He then attempts to wipe his face with his forearm, only to realize it was blood streaming from his head. Struggling to his feet, VanSteenhouse stumbles up the hill in search of Wagner, leaving a trail of red on the green moss beneath him.VanSteenhouse reunites with Wagner, and after several failed rescue attempts using a satellite phone, a helicopter finally arrives to evacuate him.VanSteenhouse credits his survival in the near-fatal attack to the "grace of God" and the courage of Wagner, an experience that forever changed his life.Not only did he escape death, he found renewed faith, strengthened his marriage, and founded Bear Man Ministries to share his story and inspire others.You can find more information on his <a href="https://thebearman.com/">website</a>.

Grizzly attack survivor, shares inspiring story in Hays

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Christopher D. Wente&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hays has been elected to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, a wholesale bank that serves as a source of credit for member financial institutions in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.&nbsp;

Wente&nbsp;will&nbsp;serve on the Operations and Mission &amp; Governance committees.

Wente has served as president and CEO of Golden Belt Bank since 2017. 

He earned a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Kansas State University and is a 2014 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. 

Wente has served as a director for Banker’s Bank of Kansas since 2022, on the Hays Medical Center board of directors since 2024, as a member of the KBA Bank Management committee, and as a board member of the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development.

FHLBank’s 17-member board of directors oversees policy decisions and ensures FHLBank’s senior managers prudently operate the organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738248221214.jpeg" alt="Chris Wente. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Chris Wente. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHLBank TopekaTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Christopher D. Wente&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hays has been elected to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, a wholesale bank that serves as a source of credit for member financial institutions in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.&nbsp;Wente&nbsp;will&nbsp;serve on the Operations and Mission &amp; Governance committees.Wente has served as president and CEO of Golden Belt Bank since 2017. He earned a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Kansas State University and is a 2014 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. Wente has served as a director for Banker’s Bank of Kansas since 2022, on the Hays Medical Center board of directors since 2024, as a member of the KBA Bank Management committee, and as a board member of the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development.FHLBank’s 17-member board of directors oversees policy decisions and ensures FHLBank’s senior managers prudently operate the organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays man elected to FHLBank Topeka board of directors 

Join the Hays Symphony for a special night to celebrate the talented music students of FHSU. 

The symphony will be presenting its annual Arias and Concertos Concert on Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.

The annual February concert honors the winners of the Department of Music’s Concerto/Aria Competition, an auditioned event held last December. Since the start of the Fall 2024 semester, these students have poured hours of practice into preparing their pieces. Now, the winners’ efforts will be shared for all the Hays community to listen to.

The three soloists performing this year are Ashley Vilaysing (clarinet), Shan Wang (soprano), and Adam Ward (euphonium). FHSU students are permitted to audition for the competition every other year. 

Notably, this is Vilaysing’s second year as a winner of the competition, the first being in 2023 where she performed Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet with the Hays Symphony.

Ashley Vilaysing is a senior pursuing a major in music education with a minor in psychology. She is involved in many ensembles, with clarinet being her primary instrument. Passionate about creating a love for music, Vilaysing plans to teach in western Kansas after graduation, where she can inspire future students within the music classroom. Vilaysing will perform Gioachino Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra.

Shan Wang graduated from Zhengzhou Sias University in China with a bachelor's degree in music performance. Currently, Wang is pursuing a postgraduate degree in vocal music at Fort Hays State University while studying under Professor Elisa Ramon. After graduating with the postgraduate degree, Wang will return to Sias University to work and contribute to the educational development of the school and her hometown area. At the concert, Wang will perform “Si. Mi chiamano Mimi” from Giacomo Puccini’s opera La bohème.

Adam Ward is pursuing a degree in music education. Ward’s area of specialty is low brass, with his primary instrument being the euphonium. Once Ward graduates, he plans to pursue a master’s in music performance with intentions to teach at the collegiate level. February’s concert will close with Ward performing Barbara York’s Concerto for Euphonium and Orchestra, “Creative States.”

Each of the musicians express their honor and excitement to participate in this concert with fellow musicians from the department.

Like with all Hays Symphony concerts, attendance is free and open to the public. Following the concert, attendees are invited to the hall’s lobby to meet the musicians at the post-concert reception sponsored by Downtown Hays Development Corporation.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">https://www.hayssymphony.org</a> where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738087984079.jpeg" alt="Hays Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Hays Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays SymphonyJoin the Hays Symphony for a special night to celebrate the talented music students of FHSU. The symphony will be presenting its annual Arias and Concertos Concert on Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.The annual February concert honors the winners of the Department of Music’s Concerto/Aria Competition, an auditioned event held last December. Since the start of the Fall 2024 semester, these students have poured hours of practice into preparing their pieces. Now, the winners’ efforts will be shared for all the Hays community to listen to.The three soloists performing this year are Ashley Vilaysing (clarinet), Shan Wang (soprano), and Adam Ward (euphonium). FHSU students are permitted to audition for the competition every other year. Notably, this is Vilaysing’s second year as a winner of the competition, the first being in 2023 where she performed Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet with the Hays Symphony.Ashley Vilaysing is a senior pursuing a major in music education with a minor in psychology. She is involved in many ensembles, with clarinet being her primary instrument. Passionate about creating a love for music, Vilaysing plans to teach in western Kansas after graduation, where she can inspire future students within the music classroom. Vilaysing will perform Gioachino Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra.Shan Wang graduated from Zhengzhou Sias University in China with a bachelor's degree in music performance. Currently, Wang is pursuing a postgraduate degree in vocal music at Fort Hays State University while studying under Professor Elisa Ramon. After graduating with the postgraduate degree, Wang will return to Sias University to work and contribute to the educational development of the school and her hometown area. At the concert, Wang will perform “Si. Mi chiamano Mimi” from Giacomo Puccini’s opera La bohème.Adam Ward is pursuing a degree in music education. Ward’s area of specialty is low brass, with his primary instrument being the euphonium. Once Ward graduates, he plans to pursue a master’s in music performance with intentions to teach at the collegiate level. February’s concert will close with Ward performing Barbara York’s Concerto for Euphonium and Orchestra, “Creative States.”Each of the musicians express their honor and excitement to participate in this concert with fellow musicians from the department.Like with all Hays Symphony concerts, attendance is free and open to the public. Following the concert, attendees are invited to the hall’s lobby to meet the musicians at the post-concert reception sponsored by Downtown Hays Development Corporation.Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">https://www.hayssymphony.org</a> where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays community.

FHSU student soloists at Hays Symphony’s February Concert

ECC For families who are prenatal or have young children, USD 489 Early Childhood Connections based in Hays is accepting applications for their Prenatal to Age 3 and Ages 3 to 5 programs.

Early Childhood Connections supports families in Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties from pregnancy to age 5 children.

Enrollments are beginning for Head Start Pre-School for the 2025-26 school year. Head Start has year-round options.

Go to <a href="https://www.usd489connections.com/">USD489connections.com</a> and click on enrollment inquiries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738083988806.jpeg" alt="Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>ECC For families who are prenatal or have young children, USD 489 Early Childhood Connections based in Hays is accepting applications for their Prenatal to Age 3 and Ages 3 to 5 programs.Early Childhood Connections supports families in Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties from pregnancy to age 5 children.There is no cost for eligible families.Enrollments are beginning for Head Start Pre-School for the 2025-26 school year. Head Start has year-round options.Go to <a href="https://www.usd489connections.com/">USD489connections.com</a> and click on enrollment inquiries.

Applications open for Early Childhood Connections free classes

By Monique Koerner Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension is pleased to announce they will begin offering a series of free prenatal education sessions in the Ellis County area beginning in February 2025. 

These sessions, available free-of-charge to all area families regardless of income or other social determinants, are being provided thanks to a partnership between the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Family Health, March of Dimes, HaysMed, First Care Clinic, High Plains Mental Health, Early Childhood Connections, Hays Public Library, Feeding Hays, and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services. 

Utilizing the March of Dimes’ Becoming a Mom®/Comenzando bien® curriculum, expectant participants and their support person(s) will learn about topics related to physical and emotional health during pregnancy, as well as receive in-depth education surrounding labor and delivery, infant feeding, infant care, safe sleep, and other hot button parenting issues. 

Information about area resources and additional parenting support systems in the community will also be provided.

I have been wanting to bring the program to Ellis County for quite some time and everything has finally come together to begin. I have worked with the Barton County Health Department for over a year helping teach their infant feeding class for Becoming a Mom and have seen first-hand the value in the program. 

I’m extremely excited about the amazing instructors and community partners that have come together to make Becoming a Mom a reality here in Ellis County. 

For a long time, I have wanted families to have a chance to come together to get to know other parents and offer support to one another. We had talked about some type of mentorship program for parents at our local Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition meeting and felt like Becoming a Mom classes were an opportunity for parents to do this. 

My other goal for the program is to bring resources to parents and have community partners that work with expectant parents or young families at each meeting. I’m hoping by providing the opportunity for parents to get to know the people that deliver these services in our community, that it is easier for them to reach out when they need those services.

Becoming a Mom will hopefully lead to improved pregnancy and birth outcomes for moms and babies in the Ellis county area, just as they have across many locations in Kansas. 

Since 2010, evaluation efforts for the Becoming a Mom® program, according to the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative model, have been overwhelmingly positive. Outcomes have shown significant improvement in rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, breastfeeding initiation, and lower cesarean rates.

All area pregnant women are encouraged to attend, regardless of past experience with pregnancy or parenting. Incentives for participation will be provided thanks to grants made available through Midwest&nbsp;Energy and Heartland Community Foundation. 

Mothers, fathers, and support people are invited to attend each class. You can choose which classes you want to attend but you earn bigger incentives (portable crib or infant playmat) for attending 4 out of the 6 classes. If you are from outside of Ellis County and are interested in attending, please contact Monique for availability. 

Limited childcare will be available, and we will also have a free meal provided by Feeding Hays. 

To obtain a schedule of class dates or to register for sessions, please contact Monique at Cottonwood Extension District by emailing/calling at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. You can also find Ellis County Becoming a Mom program on the Web at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/">https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/</a> and Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood">https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood</a>.

Partipicants in Barton County can call the Barton County Health Department at 620-793-1902 to inquire about classes. A new series of classes will begin in April 2025. If you are interested in classes that began in January, reach out to see which classes are still available.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Monique Koerner Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension is pleased to announce they will begin offering a series of free prenatal education sessions in the Ellis County area beginning in February 2025. These sessions, available free-of-charge to all area families regardless of income or other social determinants, are being provided thanks to a partnership between the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Family Health, March of Dimes, HaysMed, First Care Clinic, High Plains Mental Health, Early Childhood Connections, Hays Public Library, Feeding Hays, and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services. Utilizing the March of Dimes’ Becoming a Mom®/Comenzando bien® curriculum, expectant participants and their support person(s) will learn about topics related to physical and emotional health during pregnancy, as well as receive in-depth education surrounding labor and delivery, infant feeding, infant care, safe sleep, and other hot button parenting issues. Information about area resources and additional parenting support systems in the community will also be provided.I have been wanting to bring the program to Ellis County for quite some time and everything has finally come together to begin. I have worked with the Barton County Health Department for over a year helping teach their infant feeding class for Becoming a Mom and have seen first-hand the value in the program. I’m extremely excited about the amazing instructors and community partners that have come together to make Becoming a Mom a reality here in Ellis County. For a long time, I have wanted families to have a chance to come together to get to know other parents and offer support to one another. We had talked about some type of mentorship program for parents at our local Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition meeting and felt like Becoming a Mom classes were an opportunity for parents to do this. My other goal for the program is to bring resources to parents and have community partners that work with expectant parents or young families at each meeting. I’m hoping by providing the opportunity for parents to get to know the people that deliver these services in our community, that it is easier for them to reach out when they need those services.Becoming a Mom will hopefully lead to improved pregnancy and birth outcomes for moms and babies in the Ellis county area, just as they have across many locations in Kansas. Since 2010, evaluation efforts for the Becoming a Mom® program, according to the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative model, have been overwhelmingly positive. Outcomes have shown significant improvement in rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, breastfeeding initiation, and lower cesarean rates.All area pregnant women are encouraged to attend, regardless of past experience with pregnancy or parenting. Incentives for participation will be provided thanks to grants made available through Midwest&nbsp;Energy and Heartland Community Foundation. Mothers, fathers, and support people are invited to attend each class. You can choose which classes you want to attend but you earn bigger incentives (portable crib or infant playmat) for attending 4 out of the 6 classes. If you are from outside of Ellis County and are interested in attending, please contact Monique for availability. Limited childcare will be available, and we will also have a free meal provided by Feeding Hays. To obtain a schedule of class dates or to register for sessions, please contact Monique at Cottonwood Extension District by emailing/calling at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. You can also find Ellis County Becoming a Mom program on the Web at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/">https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/</a> and Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood">https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood</a>.Partipicants in Barton County can call the Barton County Health Department at 620-793-1902 to inquire about classes. A new series of classes will begin in April 2025. If you are interested in classes that began in January, reach out to see which classes are still available.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738090057797.png" alt="Kansas State Research and Extension Cottonwood District" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Research and Extension Cottonwood District</figcaption>
 </figure>

KOERNER: 'Becoming a Mom' prenatal education classes upcoming

Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;was named to the 2025 Trevor Hudgins Award Top 25 Watch List by Small College Basketball on February 1, which honors a player's career accomplishments. Hammeke has also been named to the Top 100 Watch List for the Bevo Francis Award a second-straight year, awarded annually to the best Small College Basketball player for a single-season.

Created in 2023 and first awarded following the 2023-24 season, the Trevor Hudgins Award is presented annually to the senior who has had the finest overall career within Small College Basketball. Considerations will be overall career statistics and achievements, team achievements, awards, and personal character. The player must have played their entire career at the small college level.

Arguably one of the best Small College Basketball players ever, Trevor Hudgins led Northwest Missouri State University to three consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships (2019, 2021, 2022). This marked the first time in Division II history that a school won three-straight national championships. During his career, Hudgins helped the Bearcats to four straight MIAA regular season championships and a 131-8 record in his collegiate career. Hudgins was named the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022. He holds both the NWMSU scoring and assist records and finished his career with 2,829 points, the all-time leading scorer in the MIAA. He was named the MIAA Player of the Year in three straight seasons from 2020 to 2022. In 2022, Hudgins was named the Small College Basketball Bevo Francis Award winner, signifying the top small college basketball player in the United States.

Hammeke is plenty familiar with the namesake of this award, having competed against Hudgins in the MIAA. Hammeke was the MIAA Freshman of the Year in 2020-21, the same year Hudgins earned his first MIAA Player of the Year honor. Flash forward to present day, Hammeke is now a four-time All-MIAA selection for Fort Hays State, including first-team honors the last two seasons (2022-23, 2023-24).

Hammeke recently became the all-time leading scorer at Fort Hays State on January 9, breaking Alonzo Goldston's mark of 1,766 set in 1997. As of February 2, Hammeke has 1,850 career points. He also has 525 assists and 525 rebounds to go with his all-time scoring record at FHSU and became the only player in the history of the program to reach both 500 assists and 500 rebounds in a career. He is the only active player in NCAA Division II with at least 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in a career and shares that distinction with five players in NCAA Division I. Hammeke and RJ Davis from the University of North Carolina are the only two players of the six to play their entire collegiate career at one school.

Hammeke is one of just nine players from NCAA Division II among the Top 25 Watch List for the Trevor Hudgins Award. The list also includes nine student-athletes from NCAA Division III and seven from the NAIA. Hammeke is the only player from the MIAA among the list this year.

Hammeke helped Fort Hays State win at least 20 games each of the last three years, which included 23 in 2021-22, 21 in 2022-23, and 23 again in 2023-24. Including the 2024-25 season so far, Fort Hays State has an overall record of 91-41 in Hammeke's career. Hammeke is the sixth four-time all-conference performer in the history of FHSU Men's Basketball, but just the second during the program's NCAA Division II history.

KJ Jones of Emmanuel University (Ga.), a member of NCAA Division II, was the first-ever recipient of the Trevor Hudgins Award in 2024. Jones finished his career at Emmanuel with 3,111 points and was the NABC and D2CCA National Player of the Year for 2023-24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738548445412.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;was named to the 2025 Trevor Hudgins Award Top 25 Watch List by Small College Basketball on February 1, which honors a player's career accomplishments. Hammeke has also been named to the Top 100 Watch List for the Bevo Francis Award a second-straight year, awarded annually to the best Small College Basketball player for a single-season.Created in 2023 and first awarded following the 2023-24 season, the Trevor Hudgins Award is presented annually to the senior who has had the finest overall career within Small College Basketball. Considerations will be overall career statistics and achievements, team achievements, awards, and personal character. The player must have played their entire career at the small college level.Arguably one of the best Small College Basketball players ever, Trevor Hudgins led Northwest Missouri State University to three consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships (2019, 2021, 2022). This marked the first time in Division II history that a school won three-straight national championships. During his career, Hudgins helped the Bearcats to four straight MIAA regular season championships and a 131-8 record in his collegiate career. Hudgins was named the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022. He holds both the NWMSU scoring and assist records and finished his career with 2,829 points, the all-time leading scorer in the MIAA. He was named the MIAA Player of the Year in three straight seasons from 2020 to 2022. In 2022, Hudgins was named the Small College Basketball Bevo Francis Award winner, signifying the top small college basketball player in the United States.Hammeke is plenty familiar with the namesake of this award, having competed against Hudgins in the MIAA. Hammeke was the MIAA Freshman of the Year in 2020-21, the same year Hudgins earned his first MIAA Player of the Year honor. Flash forward to present day, Hammeke is now a four-time All-MIAA selection for Fort Hays State, including first-team honors the last two seasons (2022-23, 2023-24).Hammeke recently became the all-time leading scorer at Fort Hays State on January 9, breaking Alonzo Goldston's mark of 1,766 set in 1997. As of February 2, Hammeke has 1,850 career points. He also has 525 assists and 525 rebounds to go with his all-time scoring record at FHSU and became the only player in the history of the program to reach both 500 assists and 500 rebounds in a career. He is the only active player in NCAA Division II with at least 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in a career and shares that distinction with five players in NCAA Division I. Hammeke and RJ Davis from the University of North Carolina are the only two players of the six to play their entire collegiate career at one school.Hammeke is one of just nine players from NCAA Division II among the Top 25 Watch List for the Trevor Hudgins Award. The list also includes nine student-athletes from NCAA Division III and seven from the NAIA. Hammeke is the only player from the MIAA among the list this year.Hammeke helped Fort Hays State win at least 20 games each of the last three years, which included 23 in 2021-22, 21 in 2022-23, and 23 again in 2023-24. Including the 2024-25 season so far, Fort Hays State has an overall record of 91-41 in Hammeke's career. Hammeke is the sixth four-time all-conference performer in the history of FHSU Men's Basketball, but just the second during the program's NCAA Division II history.KJ Jones of Emmanuel University (Ga.), a member of NCAA Division II, was the first-ever recipient of the Trevor Hudgins Award in 2024. Jones finished his career at Emmanuel with 3,111 points and was the NABC and D2CCA National Player of the Year for 2023-24.

🏀 Hammeke named to Trevor Hudgins Award top 25 watch list

EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team dropped its second-straight conference dual to a ranked opponent Sunday, losing at No. 5 Central Oklahoma 42-6. The Tigers are now 5-5 on the year and 2-2 in MIAA duals, while the Bronchos improve to 10-1 overall and 3-0 in conference action.

The Bronchos raced out to a big lead, winning at the first six weights to build a 34-point lead. A pair of takedowns allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/connor-padgett/8304">Connor Padgett</a>&nbsp;to secure a 7-6 decision at 174 pounds before a third-period takedown gave&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/riah-ostrander/8302">Riah Ostrander</a>&nbsp;a 4-1 decision at 285 pounds. Central Oklahoma finished the day with eight bonus-point wins.

Fort Hays State will wrap up its dual schedule with a Valentine's date at No. 4 Nebraska-Kearney on Friday, February 14 beginning at 7 p.m. before entering the postseason with the Super Region VI Championships on Saturday, March 1 in Gunnison, Colo.

#5 Central Oklahoma 42, Fort Hays State 6 125 - Allen Stokes lost to #1 Studd Morris (Fall 3:21) 133 - Andrew Honas lost to #6 Peter Rolle&nbsp;(TF 17-2 5:26) 141 - Kevin Honas lost to Josh Taylor&nbsp;(Fall 3:37) 149 - Drew Ball lost to #12 Dylan Brown&nbsp;(Fall 5:36) 157 - Marcel Dely lost to #2 Gabe Johnson&nbsp;(TF 15-0 6:25) 165 - Jacob Judd lost to #10 Hunter Jump&nbsp;(Fall 6:02) 174 - Connor Padget def.&nbsp;Tucker Waitman (Dec 7-6) 184 - Matthew Rodriguez lost to #10 Garrett Wells&nbsp;(MD 12-0) 197 - Ryan Patterson lost to #13 Emmanuel Skillings&nbsp;(MD 11-2) 285 - Riah Ostrander def.&nbsp;Judson Rowland (Dec 4-1)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738548610577.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team dropped its second-straight conference dual to a ranked opponent Sunday, losing at No. 5 Central Oklahoma 42-6. The Tigers are now 5-5 on the year and 2-2 in MIAA duals, while the Bronchos improve to 10-1 overall and 3-0 in conference action.The Bronchos raced out to a big lead, winning at the first six weights to build a 34-point lead. A pair of takedowns allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/connor-padgett/8304">Connor Padgett</a>&nbsp;to secure a 7-6 decision at 174 pounds before a third-period takedown gave&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/riah-ostrander/8302">Riah Ostrander</a>&nbsp;a 4-1 decision at 285 pounds. Central Oklahoma finished the day with eight bonus-point wins.UP NEXTFort Hays State will wrap up its dual schedule with a Valentine's date at No. 4 Nebraska-Kearney on Friday, February 14 beginning at 7 p.m. before entering the postseason with the Super Region VI Championships on Saturday, March 1 in Gunnison, Colo.#5 Central Oklahoma 42, Fort Hays State 6 125 - Allen Stokes lost to #1 Studd Morris (Fall 3:21) 133 - Andrew Honas lost to #6 Peter Rolle&nbsp;(TF 17-2 5:26) 141 - Kevin Honas lost to Josh Taylor&nbsp;(Fall 3:37) 149 - Drew Ball lost to #12 Dylan Brown&nbsp;(Fall 5:36) 157 - Marcel Dely lost to #2 Gabe Johnson&nbsp;(TF 15-0 6:25) 165 - Jacob Judd lost to #10 Hunter Jump&nbsp;(Fall 6:02) 174 - Connor Padget def.&nbsp;Tucker Waitman (Dec 7-6) 184 - Matthew Rodriguez lost to #10 Garrett Wells&nbsp;(MD 12-0) 197 - Ryan Patterson lost to #13 Emmanuel Skillings&nbsp;(MD 11-2) 285 - Riah Ostrander def.&nbsp;Judson Rowland (Dec 4-1)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♂️ No. 5 Bronchos defeat Tigers in Oklahoma

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=13432">BOX SCORE GAME 1</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/stats/2025/adams-state/boxscore/13433">BOX SCORE GAME 2</a>

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays baseball team dropped a pair of games to Adams State Sunday afternoon at Larks Park, ultimately splitting the season-opening series 2-2. The Grizzlies edged out their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory in the opener before pulling away with a 10-3 victory in the second contest.

Game 1: Adams State 2, Fort Hays State 1 Tiger starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trevor-baugh/8414">Trevor Baugh</a>&nbsp;pitched well in the first game of the day, retiring Adams State in order four times. The senior righty completed 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six batters.

Fort Hays State had chances to strike on offense, with FHSU managing a pair of baserunners in each of the first three innings. But ASU starter Phil Carter was able to work out of the jam each time, keeping the Tigers scoreless.

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, only managed hits in one of the first four innings but were able to string together four hits to create a pair of runs in the top of the third.

Fort Hays State closed within one in the bottom of the sixth when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/8422">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;worked a leadoff walk. The senior first baseman later came in to score on a triple to right off the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tony-moore/8456">Tony Moore</a>. With the tying run 90 feet away, Carter escaped another jam before ASU reliever Ty Addington came on to retire the side in order in the seventh to pick up the save.

Both teams totaled six hits in the game, with ASU stranding five runners on base and FHSU leaving seven.

Game 2: Adams State 10, Fort Hays State 3 Righty&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/paul-panduro/8460">Paul Panduro</a>&nbsp;made his Tiger debut in the final matchup of the weekend, working around two walks and one double to leave the bases loaded in the top of the first. FHSU then took the lead in the home half of the inning when Herrmann drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/8435">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;with a sacrifice fly to deep right field.

Panduro struck out a pair in the second before allowing two runners to reach&nbsp;in the third, prompting the Tigers to go to the bullpen in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/spencer-maley/8429">Spencer Maley</a>. Adams State took the lead for good three batters later with a grand slam to left field, giving the Grizzlies a 4-1 lead.

Adams State added two more runs in the top of the sixth off&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/landyn-sterling/8434">Landyn Sterling</a>&nbsp;before Herrmann and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/8419">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;crushed back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the frame, allowing the Tigers to claw within 6-3.The visitors added another run in the top of the eighth before pushing across three more insurance runs in the top of the ninth. Fort Hays State was outhit in the finale, 10-3.

Fort Hays State will return to action next weekend when the Tigers host East Central in another four-game, non-conference series. The teams will battle in a pair of doubleheaders beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738548046735.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Derek Woolwine bats in an NCAA college baseball game against Adams State on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Derek Woolwine bats in an NCAA college baseball game against Adams State on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=13432">BOX SCORE GAME 1</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/stats/2025/adams-state/boxscore/13433">BOX SCORE GAME 2</a>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays baseball team dropped a pair of games to Adams State Sunday afternoon at Larks Park, ultimately splitting the season-opening series 2-2. The Grizzlies edged out their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory in the opener before pulling away with a 10-3 victory in the second contest.Game 1: Adams State 2, Fort Hays State 1 Tiger starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trevor-baugh/8414">Trevor Baugh</a>&nbsp;pitched well in the first game of the day, retiring Adams State in order four times. The senior righty completed 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six batters.Fort Hays State had chances to strike on offense, with FHSU managing a pair of baserunners in each of the first three innings. But ASU starter Phil Carter was able to work out of the jam each time, keeping the Tigers scoreless.The Grizzlies, on the other hand, only managed hits in one of the first four innings but were able to string together four hits to create a pair of runs in the top of the third.Fort Hays State closed within one in the bottom of the sixth when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/8422">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;worked a leadoff walk. The senior first baseman later came in to score on a triple to right off the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tony-moore/8456">Tony Moore</a>. With the tying run 90 feet away, Carter escaped another jam before ASU reliever Ty Addington came on to retire the side in order in the seventh to pick up the save.Both teams totaled six hits in the game, with ASU stranding five runners on base and FHSU leaving seven.Game 2: Adams State 10, Fort Hays State 3 Righty&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/paul-panduro/8460">Paul Panduro</a>&nbsp;made his Tiger debut in the final matchup of the weekend, working around two walks and one double to leave the bases loaded in the top of the first. FHSU then took the lead in the home half of the inning when Herrmann drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/8435">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;with a sacrifice fly to deep right field.Panduro struck out a pair in the second before allowing two runners to reach&nbsp;in the third, prompting the Tigers to go to the bullpen in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/spencer-maley/8429">Spencer Maley</a>. Adams State took the lead for good three batters later with a grand slam to left field, giving the Grizzlies a 4-1 lead.Adams State added two more runs in the top of the sixth off&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/landyn-sterling/8434">Landyn Sterling</a>&nbsp;before Herrmann and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/8419">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;crushed back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the frame, allowing the Tigers to claw within 6-3.The visitors added another run in the top of the eighth before pushing across three more insurance runs in the top of the ninth. Fort Hays State was outhit in the finale, 10-3.UP NEXTFort Hays State will return to action next weekend when the Tigers host East Central in another four-game, non-conference series. The teams will battle in a pair of doubleheaders beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers swept by Grizzlies on day two of doubeheader

Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the effects of the availability of water in Hays on the future of economic growth.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays, Water Use in Business" 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=ssbhi-17dd90c-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>Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the effects of the availability of water in Hays on the future of economic growth.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses water, community growth

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A new treatment being offered by High Plains Mental Health Center is proving to be life-changing for some people suffering from depression.

High Plains purchased a&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit, also known as TMS, last year.

The treatment is recommended for major depressive disorder, anxious depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment is approved for youth as young as 15 through adults of any age.

The treatment locally and nationwide is showing significant success in helping patients with treatment-resistant depression, which is people who have tried two or more mental health medications without success.

"By the time someone takes a fourth medication, there's less than a 4% chance of them getting any benefit from it,"&nbsp;Dr. Mark Romereim, High Plains medical director, said.

Romereim said about 10% to 15% of the population has depression at any one time. He estimated as many as a quarter of those people have treatment-resistant depression.

With TMS, patients have an 83% chance of improvement and a 62% chance of symptom relief and remission of the illness.

Inhaled ketamine has also been used for treatment-resistant depression but with lower success rates,&nbsp;Romereim said. That treatment has to be repeated once per week on an ongoing basis. Ketamine has a 67% response rate and a 35% remission rate.&nbsp;

"TMS adds the layer of get me in and get treated and come back in a year or not at all," Craig Poe, High Plains executive director, said, "and not experience depression at all, which is life-changing."

High Plains is the first community mental health center in Kansas and one of the few nationwide to offer TMS treatment.

"For us to be the first ... It's important for us to do something because this is an unmet need, and we want to do everything possible to help our people in northwest Kansas and treat depression using the most effective treatments available,"  Romereim said.

"This is by far the most effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression."

The TMS unit looks much like a dental chair. A device is placed next to the head. It transmits electromagnetic pulses that cause an electrical change in  the brain  and the creation of new neural pathways, Romereim said.

The treatment usually lasts about 19 minutes. It is an outpatient procedure, and clients can immediately return to normal activities after treatment. No anesthesia is required, and patients can drive themselves to and from appointments.

A course of treatment is usually daily, every weekday for seven weeks, for a total of 36 treatments.

Romereim said patients usually experience few side effects. Some complain of a mild headache, which can be treated with over-the-counter medication or a tapping sensation at the treatment site. He said most of the systems fade during the first week.

The treatment is unavailable for people with ferrous metal in their heads or necks. However, pacemakers are not affected.

NeuroStar, the High Plains' TMS unit manufacturer, has been operating for about 20 years. Romereim said the company's units have treated more than 180,000 people.

High Plains has been treating people with TMS since August. Eighteen people have completed treatment, and five more have ongoing treatment.&nbsp;

"We are seeing consistent results. One person, it didn't help,"&nbsp;Romereim said. ... "When it works, it's nothing short of phenomenal."

"To take someone who has been depressed anywhere from 10 to 30 years or their entire adult life, and now they're not," he said.

Romereim said this treatment could mean the difference between being nonfunctional and on disability to being employed and a functional member of the community again.

Some people can take less medication, and some don't have to take medication at all. Romereim said one-third of patients have to repeat the treatment after a year, while about two-thirds have long-lasting benefits and don't have to repeat the treatment.

Medicare and most major private insurance companies cover the treatment.&nbsp;

Medicaid does not cover it in Kansas.&nbsp;Half of U.S. states cover the treatment through Medicaid, which equals an out-of-pocket cost of $8,000.

High Plains and other mental health providers are lobbying the Kansas Legislature to get Kansas to cover the cost of TMS.

"It's hard to talk about things that might actually cure somebody in this type of industry, but it's possible that we would move them to a much better life because of Medicaid reimbursing for this service," Poe said.

Romereim said the treatment can prevent hospitalizations and save lives by preventing suicide.

"You can't put a number on [lives], but you can put a number on hospitalizations," he said. "We are seeing people treated with this who are not going to need to be hospitalized."

Poe said once insurance companies saw the value in reimbursing for the treatment, High Plains was able to invest in the technology.

High Plains invested $150,000 to purchase the TMS unit. Center administrators would like to purchase more units to serve more people. One machine can serve about 50 to 70 people per year.

High Plains covers a wide swath of northwest Kansas, including 20 counties north to the Nebraska border and west to the Colorado border.

"We want to continue to provide the best result we can to the clients who are getting this benefit," Poe said. "Only being able to give 50 to 60 people that benefit a year is something another machine would help us alleviate."

Poe said he would happily accept donations toward that purchase if anyone is interested.

Call High Plains at 785-628-2871 to find the service location closest to you. If you need to speak to someone immediately, call its 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-432-0333. You may also call or text 988.

You can also visit <a href="https://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health Center's&nbsp;</a>website or follow the center on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMentalHealth">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738186960743.jpeg" alt="Dr. Mark Romereim, High Plains Mental Health Center medical director, holds part of a&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit, which transmits electromagnetic pulses to the brain to treat treatment-resistant depression. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Romereim, High Plains Mental Health Center medical director, holds part of a&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit, which transmits electromagnetic pulses to the brain to treat treatment-resistant depression. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new treatment being offered by High Plains Mental Health Center is proving to be life-changing for some people suffering from depression.High Plains purchased a&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit, also known as TMS, last year.The treatment is recommended for major depressive disorder, anxious depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment is approved for youth as young as 15 through adults of any age.The treatment locally and nationwide is showing significant success in helping patients with treatment-resistant depression, which is people who have tried two or more mental health medications without success."By the time someone takes a fourth medication, there's less than a 4% chance of them getting any benefit from it,"&nbsp;Dr. Mark Romereim, High Plains medical director, said.Romereim said about 10% to 15% of the population has depression at any one time. He estimated as many as a quarter of those people have treatment-resistant depression.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738186995659.jpeg" alt="This&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit is placed next to the head and provides electromagnetic pulses to the brain. It is used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>This&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit is placed next to the head and provides electromagnetic pulses to the brain. It is used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>With TMS, patients have an 83% chance of improvement and a 62% chance of symptom relief and remission of the illness.Inhaled ketamine has also been used for treatment-resistant depression but with lower success rates,&nbsp;Romereim said. That treatment has to be repeated once per week on an ongoing basis. Ketamine has a 67% response rate and a 35% remission rate.&nbsp;"TMS adds the layer of get me in and get treated and come back in a year or not at all," Craig Poe, High Plains executive director, said, "and not experience depression at all, which is life-changing."High Plains is the first community mental health center in Kansas and one of the few nationwide to offer TMS treatment."For us to be the first ... It's important for us to do something because this is an unmet need, and we want to do everything possible to help our people in northwest Kansas and treat depression using the most effective treatments available," Romereim said."This is by far the most effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression."The TMS unit looks much like a dental chair. A device is placed next to the head. It transmits electromagnetic pulses that cause an electrical change in the brain and the creation of new neural pathways, Romereim said.The treatment usually lasts about 19 minutes. It is an outpatient procedure, and clients can immediately return to normal activities after treatment. No anesthesia is required, and patients can drive themselves to and from appointments.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738187173375.jpeg" alt="Patients sit in this chair to receive&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at High Plains Mental Health Center. The treatment is outpatient and has only a few minor side effects, according to providers. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Patients sit in this chair to receive&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at High Plains Mental Health Center. The treatment is outpatient and has only a few minor side effects, according to providers. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>A course of treatment is usually daily, every weekday for seven weeks, for a total of 36 treatments.Romereim said patients usually experience few side effects. Some complain of a mild headache, which can be treated with over-the-counter medication or a tapping sensation at the treatment site. He said most of the systems fade during the first week.The treatment is unavailable for people with ferrous metal in their heads or necks. However, pacemakers are not affected.NeuroStar, the High Plains' TMS unit manufacturer, has been operating for about 20 years. Romereim said the company's units have treated more than 180,000 people.High Plains has been treating people with TMS since August. Eighteen people have completed treatment, and five more have ongoing treatment.&nbsp;"We are seeing consistent results. One person, it didn't help,"&nbsp;Romereim said. ... "When it works, it's nothing short of phenomenal.""To take someone who has been depressed anywhere from 10 to 30 years or their entire adult life, and now they're not," he said.Romereim said this treatment could mean the difference between being nonfunctional and on disability to being employed and a functional member of the community again.Some people can take less medication, and some don't have to take medication at all. Romereim said one-third of patients have to repeat the treatment after a year, while about two-thirds have long-lasting benefits and don't have to repeat the treatment.Medicare and most major private insurance companies cover the treatment.&nbsp;Medicaid does not cover it in Kansas.&nbsp;Half of U.S. states cover the treatment through Medicaid, which equals an out-of-pocket cost of $8,000.High Plains and other mental health providers are lobbying the Kansas Legislature to get Kansas to cover the cost of TMS."It's hard to talk about things that might actually cure somebody in this type of industry, but it's possible that we would move them to a much better life because of Medicaid reimbursing for this service," Poe said.Romereim said the treatment can prevent hospitalizations and save lives by preventing suicide."You can't put a number on [lives], but you can put a number on hospitalizations," he said. "We are seeing people treated with this who are not going to need to be hospitalized."Poe said once insurance companies saw the value in reimbursing for the treatment, High Plains was able to invest in the technology.High Plains invested $150,000 to purchase the TMS unit. Center administrators would like to purchase more units to serve more people. One machine can serve about 50 to 70 people per year.High Plains covers a wide swath of northwest Kansas, including 20 counties north to the Nebraska border and west to the Colorado border."We want to continue to provide the best result we can to the clients who are getting this benefit," Poe said. "Only being able to give 50 to 60 people that benefit a year is something another machine would help us alleviate."Poe said he would happily accept donations toward that purchase if anyone is interested.Call High Plains at 785-628-2871 to find the service location closest to you. If you need to speak to someone immediately, call its 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-432-0333. You may also call or text 988.You can also visit <a href="https://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health Center's&nbsp;</a>website or follow the center on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMentalHealth">Facebook</a>.

High Plains Mental Health provides 'life-changing' new treatment for depression

By KALEY CONNER High Plains Mental Health Center

When Triston Albert was 15, he was diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. At that time, Albert said the picture painted for him seemed a little bleak. He understood the condition could be long-term or life-long and accepted the reality that he would probably need to be on medications for the rest of his life. But even the newest and best prescriptions were not enough to alleviate the challenging symptoms.

Fast forward about 11 years, and Albert, now representing individuals served on the High Plains Mental Health Center governing board, was among the first to learn of an innovative new treatment option. 

High Plains Mental Health Center became the first Community Mental Health Center in Kansas to implement Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a non-invasive and medication-free treatment clinically proven to reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.

Albert became one of the first northwest Kansas residents to complete a treatment course, and the results have been life-changing.

“My first reaction was skepticism. Because it’s new and it’s messing with my brain,” Albert said. “But I cannot argue with the result. The facts are irrefutable, and I would recommend this to anybody who may need it.”

TMS typically requires 36 treatments, which are provided Monday through Friday for about seven weeks. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Albert, a Hays resident, began treatment in August 2024 and completed his last session in October.&nbsp;

Since then, he estimates at least a 60-percent reduction in his depressive symptoms. His memory is sharper, and he can more easily focus and make decisions. 

His ability to manage both time and money has improved, and for the first time in many years, he is craving social interaction and wants to be around other people instead of isolating at home. It’s also very significant that he is no longer experiencing suicidal thoughts, he said.

Albert said he is more self-motivated, has much more energy, and, for the first time, is not experiencing worsening depression in winter due to seasonal affective changes. He’s able to maintain a healthy weight and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Overall, he says he feels healthier than he’s ever been.

“I wouldn’t even say that I have treatment-resistant major depressive disorder anymore. I would just say that I have experience with major depressive disorder, and I would say I have mild depression,” he said. “I’m happy. I’m very happy.”

Albert kept a journal detailing all of his treatment sessions and the effects he noticed — both positive and negative.

The negatives were few and far between, he said, noting how he occasionally experienced a minor headache, topical discomfort on the top of his head, or slight twitching in his eye or jaw. Any side effects were short-lived for him, never lasting beyond the day of treatment, he said.

The positives were more pronounced and longer-lasting — he continues to see the benefits every day.

“After a week of doing it, I could feel my brain had been correcting itself through the treatments. The first week, I felt a weight lifted off of me,” Albert said. “By the second week, I definitely felt a shift in my personality. … Things I didn’t like, I enjoy now.”

As the fog of depression began to lift, Albert said it caught him off guard when he began experiencing a wide array of other emotions. He had been depressed for so long, he realized he had to learn how to identify and manage other feelings that typically pop up in daily life, like joy, anger, or excitement. In that way, Albert said, it felt kind of like being a teenager again.

Reflecting on his teenage years, Albert remembers how difficult it was to navigate that time in his life while experiencing severe depression. He ultimately dropped out of high school and earned a GED.

TMS is approved for treatment in individuals 15 and older as recommended by a psychiatrist. Albert said that’s one reason he initially supported the technology as a member of the High Plains Mental Health Center governing board. Had TMS been available to him as a teenager, that part of his story might have turned out differently, he said.

Albert is now able to work full-time, moving from a part-time position to a full-time management role with a local retail store. He loves his job, enjoys working with people, is making new friends, and has plans to come off the medical disability benefits he had applied for at the height of his depression when he was physically and mentally unable to maintain employment.

He continues to take certain medications and follow a treatment plan for remaining symptoms, but has been able to discontinue some prescriptions and others might soon follow. Overall, he says, TMS has been a complete game-changer.

“The best words I could use to describe the TMS machine, it is revolutionary,” he said. “I really feel a sense of debt, because it feels like a gift. I’ve been given a gift.”

Albert said there’s only one thing he doesn’t like about TMS – currently, Kansas Medicaid will not pay for TMS, and that’s a barrier for some who may qualify for treatment.

Other major insurers, including Medicare and Blue Cross, do provide coverage for TMS. Albert is not alone in his recovery journey – TMS has been found highly effective nationally, with 83 percent of patients reporting symptom reduction and improved functioning. 

About 62 percent of clients improved to the point that they no longer met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.

Albert has gotten to know other individuals living with major depressive disorder, and he tries to set a good example and encourage others not to give up. The key, he said, is to not stop trying.

“You cannot give up. The moment you give up, you are in defeat, and you cannot let depression literally drag you down. That’s what it’s there for, don’t let it do its job,” he said. “You are able to overcome it and manage it if you try.

“(Because of TMS) I feel really different, and I would recommend this to anybody who may need it.”

TMS services are available at the Hays Main Office of High Plains Mental Health Center, 208 E. Seventh St. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 1-800-432-0333.

Help is always available by calling High Plains Mental Health Center at 1-800-432-0333, or by calling or texting 988, the Kansas suicide prevention lifeline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738350991527.jpeg" alt="Triston Albert. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Triston Albert. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By KALEY CONNER High Plains Mental Health CenterWhen Triston Albert was 15, he was diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. At that time, Albert said the picture painted for him seemed a little bleak. He understood the condition could be long-term or life-long and accepted the reality that he would probably need to be on medications for the rest of his life. But even the newest and best prescriptions were not enough to alleviate the challenging symptoms.Fast forward about 11 years, and Albert, now representing individuals served on the High Plains Mental Health Center governing board, was among the first to learn of an innovative new treatment option. High Plains Mental Health Center became the first Community Mental Health Center in Kansas to implement Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a non-invasive and medication-free treatment clinically proven to reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.Albert became one of the first northwest Kansas residents to complete a treatment course, and the results have been life-changing.“My first reaction was skepticism. Because it’s new and it’s messing with my brain,” Albert said. “But I cannot argue with the result. The facts are irrefutable, and I would recommend this to anybody who may need it.”TMS typically requires 36 treatments, which are provided Monday through Friday for about seven weeks. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Albert, a Hays resident, began treatment in August 2024 and completed his last session in October.&nbsp;Since then, he estimates at least a 60-percent reduction in his depressive symptoms. His memory is sharper, and he can more easily focus and make decisions. His ability to manage both time and money has improved, and for the first time in many years, he is craving social interaction and wants to be around other people instead of isolating at home. It’s also very significant that he is no longer experiencing suicidal thoughts, he said.Albert said he is more self-motivated, has much more energy, and, for the first time, is not experiencing worsening depression in winter due to seasonal affective changes. He’s able to maintain a healthy weight and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Overall, he says he feels healthier than he’s ever been.“I wouldn’t even say that I have treatment-resistant major depressive disorder anymore. I would just say that I have experience with major depressive disorder, and I would say I have mild depression,” he said. “I’m happy. I’m very happy.”Albert kept a journal detailing all of his treatment sessions and the effects he noticed — both positive and negative.The negatives were few and far between, he said, noting how he occasionally experienced a minor headache, topical discomfort on the top of his head, or slight twitching in his eye or jaw. Any side effects were short-lived for him, never lasting beyond the day of treatment, he said.The positives were more pronounced and longer-lasting — he continues to see the benefits every day.“After a week of doing it, I could feel my brain had been correcting itself through the treatments. The first week, I felt a weight lifted off of me,” Albert said. “By the second week, I definitely felt a shift in my personality. … Things I didn’t like, I enjoy now.”As the fog of depression began to lift, Albert said it caught him off guard when he began experiencing a wide array of other emotions. He had been depressed for so long, he realized he had to learn how to identify and manage other feelings that typically pop up in daily life, like joy, anger, or excitement. In that way, Albert said, it felt kind of like being a teenager again.Reflecting on his teenage years, Albert remembers how difficult it was to navigate that time in his life while experiencing severe depression. He ultimately dropped out of high school and earned a GED.TMS is approved for treatment in individuals 15 and older as recommended by a psychiatrist. Albert said that’s one reason he initially supported the technology as a member of the High Plains Mental Health Center governing board. Had TMS been available to him as a teenager, that part of his story might have turned out differently, he said.Albert is now able to work full-time, moving from a part-time position to a full-time management role with a local retail store. He loves his job, enjoys working with people, is making new friends, and has plans to come off the medical disability benefits he had applied for at the height of his depression when he was physically and mentally unable to maintain employment.He continues to take certain medications and follow a treatment plan for remaining symptoms, but has been able to discontinue some prescriptions and others might soon follow. Overall, he says, TMS has been a complete game-changer.“The best words I could use to describe the TMS machine, it is revolutionary,” he said. “I really feel a sense of debt, because it feels like a gift. I’ve been given a gift.”Albert said there’s only one thing he doesn’t like about TMS – currently, Kansas Medicaid will not pay for TMS, and that’s a barrier for some who may qualify for treatment.Other major insurers, including Medicare and Blue Cross, do provide coverage for TMS. Albert is not alone in his recovery journey – TMS has been found highly effective nationally, with 83 percent of patients reporting symptom reduction and improved functioning. About 62 percent of clients improved to the point that they no longer met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.Albert has gotten to know other individuals living with major depressive disorder, and he tries to set a good example and encourage others not to give up. The key, he said, is to not stop trying.“You cannot give up. The moment you give up, you are in defeat, and you cannot let depression literally drag you down. That’s what it’s there for, don’t let it do its job,” he said. “You are able to overcome it and manage it if you try.“(Because of TMS) I feel really different, and I would recommend this to anybody who may need it.”TMS services are available at the Hays Main Office of High Plains Mental Health Center, 208 E. Seventh St. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 1-800-432-0333.Help is always available by calling High Plains Mental Health Center at 1-800-432-0333, or by calling or texting 988, the Kansas suicide prevention lifeline.

‘I’m happy now’ – man tells how new mental health treatment helped him

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF Feb 3 – 7, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

Feb. 3 -Memorial of St. Blaise, Bishop &amp; Martyr, and St. Ansgar, Bishop. -Parent Teacher Conference forms are going home today. -Vision Screening make-up day will be this morning in the A.C. and they will pull any students who missed both days in January. -Fr. Nick will visit class KB at 10:00 a.m. -Happy Birthday to Aviana Gottschalk, 2B, and Paxton Rippe, 4A.

Feb. 5 Spirit Day. -Memorial of St. Agatha, Martyr. -Golden Belt Bank will visit 5th grade in STREAM today. -Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. -5th Grade Joyful Noise at 2:45 p.m. -Happy Birthday to Kaden Kirmer, PK4, Andrew Ochoa, 2A, and Mr. Duff Watson, I.T.

Feb. 6 -Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs. -TMP students will visit 4B today. -Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade this afternoon. -Students, just a reminder that you can wear a Chiefs, Eagles, red or teal/green shirt tomorrow with jeans or uniform bottoms since the Chiefs have made it to the Super Bowl again! -Happy Birthday to Shaylee Stremel, PK4, &amp; Eliana Flores, 2A.

Feb. 7 -Super Bowl Fun Friday – we hope you wore your Chiefs or Eagles shirts and colors today with jeans! -First Friday Prayer Circles will be this morning; teachers, please take your attendance and lunch count and we will come over the intercom when we’re ready to move to our prayer groups. -Parent Teacher Conference forms are due today. -Happy Birthday to Ryker Tebo, 1A. Greetings to Audrey Kennedy, 2B, who will celebrate a birthday this weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600893690010.jpeg" alt="Holy Family Elementary School, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF Feb 3 – 7, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAYFeb. 3 -Memorial of St. Blaise, Bishop &amp; Martyr, and St. Ansgar, Bishop. -Parent Teacher Conference forms are going home today. -Vision Screening make-up day will be this morning in the A.C. and they will pull any students who missed both days in January. -Fr. Nick will visit class KB at 10:00 a.m. -Happy Birthday to Aviana Gottschalk, 2B, and Paxton Rippe, 4A.TUESDAYFeb. 4 Nothing! Happy Tuesday!WEDNESDAYFeb. 5 Spirit Day. -Memorial of St. Agatha, Martyr. -Golden Belt Bank will visit 5th grade in STREAM today. -Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon. -5th Grade Joyful Noise at 2:45 p.m. -Happy Birthday to Kaden Kirmer, PK4, Andrew Ochoa, 2A, and Mr. Duff Watson, I.T.THURSDAYFeb. 6 -Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs. -TMP students will visit 4B today. -Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade this afternoon. -Students, just a reminder that you can wear a Chiefs, Eagles, red or teal/green shirt tomorrow with jeans or uniform bottoms since the Chiefs have made it to the Super Bowl again! -Happy Birthday to Shaylee Stremel, PK4, &amp; Eliana Flores, 2A.FRIDAYFeb. 7 -Super Bowl Fun Friday – we hope you wore your Chiefs or Eagles shirts and colors today with jeans! -First Friday Prayer Circles will be this morning; teachers, please take your attendance and lunch count and we will come over the intercom when we’re ready to move to our prayer groups. -Parent Teacher Conference forms are due today. -Happy Birthday to Ryker Tebo, 1A. Greetings to Audrey Kennedy, 2B, who will celebrate a birthday this weekend.

Holy Family Elementary School Notes

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team opened the 2025 season with a pair of victories over Adams State on Saturday, defeating the Grizzlies 11-7 in the opener before scoring the final 10 runs in a 10-2 win in the nightcap. Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;&nbsp;mashed three home runs on the day, including a pair of three-run shots. The first baseman and true freshman Tony Noore tied for the team lead with four hits on the day.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/stats/2025/adams-state/boxscore/13430">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/stats/2025/adams-state/boxscore/13431">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>

Game 1: Fort Hays State 11, Adams State 7 Starting pitcher Ty Riley, a first team All-MIAA pick a year ago, set the tone early, retiring the side in order in the top of the first with two strikeouts. The FHSU offense wasted no time taking control, with Herrmann giving the Tigers the lead with a two-out, no-doubt home run to left field, driving in a pair.

Riley (1-0) struck out five batters the first time through the order, ultimately finishing the day with eight punchouts over 4 innings pitched to secure the win. The senior worked out of a pair of two-on, one-out jams to put up zeros in the third and fourth innings.

The Tigers added four more runs in the third when Isaiah Ural&nbsp;reached on a dropped third strike to lead the frame. Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;followed with a single before Defek Woolwine&nbsp;and Herrmann roped off back-to-back doubles, each driving in one. Tyson Jimenez&nbsp;added another RBI later in the inning on a groundout, giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead.

Fort Hays State tacked on three more runs in the fourth with another two-out home run from Herrmann. This time he drove in three, with Moore and Woolwine scoring after doubling and walking, respectively.

Cooper Howell&nbsp;opened a two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth with a two-out walk. Moore followed with a single to center before Ural plated the pair with a double to right center.

Rylan Rinker&nbsp;came out of the pen in the fifth inning and tossed two solid innings, retiring the side in order in the fifth and working around a leadoff walk in the sixth. The Grizzlies managed to get to Rinker in the seventh, however, rallying for seven runs to trim the deficit to 11-7.With two on and two out, Spencer Maley&nbsp;came on to record the save, inducing an infield pop up that wrapped up the win.

Herrmann led the Tigers with three hits and six RBI in the victory, with Moore adding two base hits and two runs.

Game 2: Fort Hays State 10, Adams State 2 After a quick start to the season opener, it took until the sixth inning for the Tigers to light up the scoreboard in the nightcap. Tiger starter Cade Flaherty&nbsp;and ASU starter Connor Murray were both sharp from the jump, with neither allowing a hit in either of the first two innings.

Adams State took advantage of a pair of walks in the top of the third when leadoff man Christian Altamirano delivered a triple to the wall in right, giving the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738473946617.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Elliott Herrmann heads toward home plate after hitting a home run against Adams State on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Elliott Herrmann heads toward home plate after hitting a home run against Adams State on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team opened the 2025 season with a pair of victories over Adams State on Saturday, defeating the Grizzlies 11-7 in the opener before scoring the final 10 runs in a 10-2 win in the nightcap. Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;&nbsp;mashed three home runs on the day, including a pair of three-run shots. The first baseman and true freshman Tony Noore tied for the team lead with four hits on the day.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/stats/2025/adams-state/boxscore/13430">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/stats/2025/adams-state/boxscore/13431">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>Game 1: Fort Hays State 11, Adams State 7 Starting pitcher Ty Riley, a first team All-MIAA pick a year ago, set the tone early, retiring the side in order in the top of the first with two strikeouts. The FHSU offense wasted no time taking control, with Herrmann giving the Tigers the lead with a two-out, no-doubt home run to left field, driving in a pair.Riley (1-0) struck out five batters the first time through the order, ultimately finishing the day with eight punchouts over 4 innings pitched to secure the win. The senior worked out of a pair of two-on, one-out jams to put up zeros in the third and fourth innings.The Tigers added four more runs in the third when Isaiah Ural&nbsp;reached on a dropped third strike to lead the frame. Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;followed with a single before Defek Woolwine&nbsp;and Herrmann roped off back-to-back doubles, each driving in one. Tyson Jimenez&nbsp;added another RBI later in the inning on a groundout, giving the Tigers a 4-0 lead.Fort Hays State tacked on three more runs in the fourth with another two-out home run from Herrmann. This time he drove in three, with Moore and Woolwine scoring after doubling and walking, respectively.Cooper Howell&nbsp;opened a two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth with a two-out walk. Moore followed with a single to center before Ural plated the pair with a double to right center.Rylan Rinker&nbsp;came out of the pen in the fifth inning and tossed two solid innings, retiring the side in order in the fifth and working around a leadoff walk in the sixth. The Grizzlies managed to get to Rinker in the seventh, however, rallying for seven runs to trim the deficit to 11-7.With two on and two out, Spencer Maley&nbsp;came on to record the save, inducing an infield pop up that wrapped up the win.Herrmann led the Tigers with three hits and six RBI in the victory, with Moore adding two base hits and two runs.Game 2: Fort Hays State 10, Adams State 2 After a quick start to the season opener, it took until the sixth inning for the Tigers to light up the scoreboard in the nightcap. Tiger starter Cade Flaherty&nbsp;and ASU starter Connor Murray were both sharp from the jump, with neither allowing a hit in either of the first two innings.Adams State took advantage of a pair of walks in the top of the third when leadoff man Christian Altamirano delivered a triple to the wall in right, giving the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead.The Tigers managed a pair of hits in both the third and fourth inning but were unable to push across any runs. Fort Hays State finally broke through in the sixth when Howell led off with a single up the middle. Kreutzer added a single two batters later before Herrmann crushed a 2-0 pitch soaring over the fence in left center, propelling the Tigers to a 3-2 lead. Trey DeGarmo kept the rally going with a single to left and then scored on a base hit by Luis Ayala.After Flaherty worked 4 innings, allowing two runs on one hit and three walks with a pair of strikeouts, Mike Acierno&nbsp;and Brandon Chavez&nbsp;combined to toss five scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Acierno worked the fifth and sixth innings, allowing one hit while walking two to earn the win. Chavez picked up the save after retiring nine of the 10 batters he faced, giving up just one hit and striking out a pair.The floodgates remained open for the Tigers in the seventh, with FHSU rattling off six runs on four hits and three free passes. Moore led off with a double before coming in to score on another double from Ural. DeGarmo worked a bases-loaded walk later in the inning before Ayala drove in a pair with a single. Tytin Goebel&nbsp;followed with his first base hit as a Tiger, driving in Ayala with a double down the left field line to put the Tigers up 10-2.Kreutzer, Ayala and Moore all tallied a pair of hits in the win, with Herrmann and Ayala both plating three runs.UP NEXTThe Tigers and Grizzlies will wrap up the series Sunday with another doubleheader beginning at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;