Please be advised that fire hydrant replacement work will be taking place at General Custer (north side of Centennial), 17th &amp; Main, and 14th &amp; Main over the next several weeks.

Please use caution and obey all traffic signage. 

The city of Hays apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause to the public. 

For more information, please contact the Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or J Corp at (785) 628-8101.

City of HaysPlease be advised that fire hydrant replacement work will be taking place at General Custer (north side of Centennial), 17th &amp; Main, and 14th &amp; Main over the next several weeks.Please use caution and obey all traffic signage. The city of Hays apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause to the public. For more information, please contact the Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or J Corp at (785) 628-8101.

Fire hydrant replacement work set in Hays

Terrall
Leonard Swart (known as Terry or TL), age 80, of Grinnell, passed away Monday,
January 13, 2025, at the Swedish Hospital, in Colorado. Terry was born on
February 6, 1944, in Colby, KS, to Leonard and Elizabeth (Schurr) Swart. Terry
graduated from Grinnell High School. 

On
January 29, 1964, Terry married the love of his life, Karol Kruse, at St.
Joseph Catholic Church, in Oakley. They met at the Dairy King in Oakley, where
Karol worked while attending Oakley High School. They lived a wonderful life
together on the Swart Ranch, located 20 miles south of Grinnell. Leonard and
Terry owned Swart Trucking but sold all but one semi to Mitten’s when Terry and
Karol started a family. They were blessed with two children, daughter Amy and
son Terrall, who loved growing up in rural Gove County on the ranch. 

Running
a ranch was a family affair, as Leonard, Elizabeth, Terry, Karol and the kids
all ran the operation. They started with pigs. After having to butcher the last
stubborn sow on the ranch, they started a cow and calf herd, ran a fat cattle
feedlot, had horses, and the kids raised bucket calves. They farmed raising
corn and wheat crops.

Terry
and Karol made their dream house plans become a reality when their new house
was built in 1975, smack dab on the hill in their pasture. Terry called it
“God’s Country” and some of his ashes were returned to the ranch, so that he
can forever enjoy “God's Country”. His wisdom will continue to guide the third
generation in preserving and protecting Swart Ranch so that it will remain in
the family for generations to come. 

After
Amy and Terrall were grown, Terry and Karol worked together at Warren’s IGA,
along with running the ranch. Karol attended truck driving school, then her and
Terry team drove a semi for Barnett Trucking, all over the country, coast to
coast. This allowed them to travel and see many states. 

Terrall
blessed Terry and Karol with three grandchildren, their first grandson, Jason,
and twin granddaughters, Ashley and Emily. Ane then came the great
grandchildren, Mia and Chelsey Reyes (ages 12 and 9) and Baylor and Eili
Chartier (9 and 8). 

Terry’s
life passion was farming and ranching. He taught Amy and Terrall many life
lessons growing up on the ranch. Terry loved driving semis and wheat trucks. He
continued driving, helping Brian Ottley until Karol’s health deteriorated.
Terry loved country music, especially George Strait, and eating BEEF that he’d
raised. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. If you’re a farmer, you’re a
born gambler! Terry also loved going to the casinos to play craps. Terry put
his whole life into Swart Ranch. But he did allow himself one luxury, a new RED
pickup.

Terry
is survived by his children, Amy (Larry) Smith, of Dodge City, Terrall
(Stephanie) Swart, of Hays; grandchildren, Jason Swart, Ashely (Josh) Chartier
and Emily (Gustavo) Reyes, all of Hays, and great grandchildren, Baylor and Eli
Chartier and Mia and Chelsey Reyes. Upon Terrall’s marriage to Stephanie, Terry
gained more grandchildren, Chelsea (Ryder) Eakin, Hays and Paige (Alex) Nuss,
of Hutchison, and great grandchildren, Callie, Carson and Caylor Eakin and
Easton and Beckett Nuss. He is also survived by his aunt Geraldine (Lintel)
Swart, of Grinnell; many Swart cousins; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law,
Lanny Hockersmith, Rodney (Mary Lou) Kruse, Butch (Cheri) Kruse, Connie Evans,
Berny (Missy) Kruse, Janice Wilkening, and Robert (Chan) Kruse; and 25 nieces
and nephews and their families. 

Terry
was preceded in death by his wife Karol, just six months ago; his parents,
Leonard and Elizabeth (Schurr) Swart; grandparents, Henry and Madeline Swart
and Martin and Barbara Schurr; in-laws, Ralph and Armella Kruse; sister-in-law
Marilyn Hockersmith, brother-in-law, Rod Wilkening; sister Connie (Dennis)
Dawson and an infant son Paul. 

A
graveside service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at
St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Oakley with lunch to follow at the Oakley Country
Club. Memorials may be made to NWKareS Hospice and sent in care of Baalmann
Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737993820961.jpeg" alt="Terrall Leonard Swart&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Terrall Leonard Swart&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Terrall
Leonard Swart (known as Terry or TL), age 80, of Grinnell, passed away Monday,
January 13, 2025, at the Swedish Hospital, in Colorado. Terry was born on
February 6, 1944, in Colby, KS, to Leonard and Elizabeth (Schurr) Swart. Terry
graduated from Grinnell High School. On
January 29, 1964, Terry married the love of his life, Karol Kruse, at St.
Joseph Catholic Church, in Oakley. They met at the Dairy King in Oakley, where
Karol worked while attending Oakley High School. They lived a wonderful life
together on the Swart Ranch, located 20 miles south of Grinnell. Leonard and
Terry owned Swart Trucking but sold all but one semi to Mitten’s when Terry and
Karol started a family. They were blessed with two children, daughter Amy and
son Terrall, who loved growing up in rural Gove County on the ranch. Running
a ranch was a family affair, as Leonard, Elizabeth, Terry, Karol and the kids
all ran the operation. They started with pigs. After having to butcher the last
stubborn sow on the ranch, they started a cow and calf herd, ran a fat cattle
feedlot, had horses, and the kids raised bucket calves. They farmed raising
corn and wheat crops.Terry
and Karol made their dream house plans become a reality when their new house
was built in 1975, smack dab on the hill in their pasture. Terry called it
“God’s Country” and some of his ashes were returned to the ranch, so that he
can forever enjoy “God's Country”. His wisdom will continue to guide the third
generation in preserving and protecting Swart Ranch so that it will remain in
the family for generations to come. After
Amy and Terrall were grown, Terry and Karol worked together at Warren’s IGA,
along with running the ranch. Karol attended truck driving school, then her and
Terry team drove a semi for Barnett Trucking, all over the country, coast to
coast. This allowed them to travel and see many states. Terrall
blessed Terry and Karol with three grandchildren, their first grandson, Jason,
and twin granddaughters, Ashley and Emily. Ane then came the great
grandchildren, Mia and Chelsey Reyes (ages 12 and 9) and Baylor and Eili
Chartier (9 and 8). Terry’s
life passion was farming and ranching. He taught Amy and Terrall many life
lessons growing up on the ranch. Terry loved driving semis and wheat trucks. He
continued driving, helping Brian Ottley until Karol’s health deteriorated.
Terry loved country music, especially George Strait, and eating BEEF that he’d
raised. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. If you’re a farmer, you’re a
born gambler! Terry also loved going to the casinos to play craps. Terry put
his whole life into Swart Ranch. But he did allow himself one luxury, a new RED
pickup.Terry
is survived by his children, Amy (Larry) Smith, of Dodge City, Terrall
(Stephanie) Swart, of Hays; grandchildren, Jason Swart, Ashely (Josh) Chartier
and Emily (Gustavo) Reyes, all of Hays, and great grandchildren, Baylor and Eli
Chartier and Mia and Chelsey Reyes. Upon Terrall’s marriage to Stephanie, Terry
gained more grandchildren, Chelsea (Ryder) Eakin, Hays and Paige (Alex) Nuss,
of Hutchison, and great grandchildren, Callie, Carson and Caylor Eakin and
Easton and Beckett Nuss. He is also survived by his aunt Geraldine (Lintel)
Swart, of Grinnell; many Swart cousins; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law,
Lanny Hockersmith, Rodney (Mary Lou) Kruse, Butch (Cheri) Kruse, Connie Evans,
Berny (Missy) Kruse, Janice Wilkening, and Robert (Chan) Kruse; and 25 nieces
and nephews and their families. Terry
was preceded in death by his wife Karol, just six months ago; his parents,
Leonard and Elizabeth (Schurr) Swart; grandparents, Henry and Madeline Swart
and Martin and Barbara Schurr; in-laws, Ralph and Armella Kruse; sister-in-law
Marilyn Hockersmith, brother-in-law, Rod Wilkening; sister Connie (Dennis)
Dawson and an infant son Paul. A
graveside service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at
St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Oakley with lunch to follow at the Oakley Country
Club. Memorials may be made to NWKareS Hospice and sent in care of Baalmann
Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

Terrall Leonard Swart

Westley James Yocum, 63, of Derby, KS, passed away January
22, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Westley (Wes) was born on
December 17, 1961, in Phillipsburg KS to Lela A. Bard. Wes grew up and attended
school in Phillipsburg, Logan, and Hays KS, graduating from Northwest Kansas
Area Vocational Technical School in 1983. 

On November 12, 1983, Wes married Christine M. Miller, in
Hays KS, beginning a loving partnership that spanned over four decades.
Together they raised their son, Austin, of whom Wes was exceptionally proud.

For more than 40 years, Wes worked as a professional truck
driver, primarily transporting U.S. mail for independent contractors. He was a
hard-working and dedicated driver who took great pride in his job.

Outside of work, Wes was an avid fan of football,
particularly the Dallas Cowboys and Nebraska Cornhuskers. In addition, he loved
auto racing and found great joy in restoring a 1976 Chevy Vega GT, a father-son
project he proudly shared with Austin. 

Wes was preceded in death by his mother, Lela A. Bard. 

He is
survived by his wife, Christine, and son, Austin. He also leaves behind his
brother, Johnny (Dee) Yocum of Phillipsburg KS; brothers-in-law, Dan Miller of
Hays KS and Charles Miller of La Crosse KS; sisters-in-law, Stacie (Jack)
Ploutz of McCracken KS, Stephanie (Myron) Wasko of Rose Hill KS, and Laurie
Rollins of Salina KS; aunts, Willa Chestnut of Glade KS and Nancy Chestnut of
Hays KS.&nbsp;

Additionally, Wes is survived by nieces: Joni Yocum of
Norton KS, Joell (Chad) Waganblast of Athol KS, Cassandra Ploutz-Bruynzeel of
The Netherlands, Jacqueline Ploutz of McCracken KS, Lauren Rollins of Salina
KS, Jessica (Steven) Walton of Elkins AR, and Amanda (Cayle) Neumann of Hays KS;
and nephews: Jon (Sommer) Yocum of Prairie View KS, Jason Wasko of Wichita KS,
and Alex Miller of Hays KS.

Wes’ memory will be cherished by all who knew him for his
kind heart and his dedication to family.

In accordance with Wes’ wishes, no formal services will be
held. The family kindly requests any donations be made to Austin Yocum’s
education fund. Cards and flowers may be sent to 513 E Twisted Oak Road, Derby,
KS, 67037

Rest in eternal peace, Wes. You will be forever in our
hearts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737993465215.png" alt="Westley James Yocum" />
 <figcaption>Westley James Yocum</figcaption>
 </figure>Westley James Yocum, 63, of Derby, KS, passed away January
22, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Westley (Wes) was born on
December 17, 1961, in Phillipsburg KS to Lela A. Bard. Wes grew up and attended
school in Phillipsburg, Logan, and Hays KS, graduating from Northwest Kansas
Area Vocational Technical School in 1983. On November 12, 1983, Wes married Christine M. Miller, in
Hays KS, beginning a loving partnership that spanned over four decades.
Together they raised their son, Austin, of whom Wes was exceptionally proud.For more than 40 years, Wes worked as a professional truck
driver, primarily transporting U.S. mail for independent contractors. He was a
hard-working and dedicated driver who took great pride in his job.Outside of work, Wes was an avid fan of football,
particularly the Dallas Cowboys and Nebraska Cornhuskers. In addition, he loved
auto racing and found great joy in restoring a 1976 Chevy Vega GT, a father-son
project he proudly shared with Austin. Wes was preceded in death by his mother, Lela A. Bard. He is
survived by his wife, Christine, and son, Austin. He also leaves behind his
brother, Johnny (Dee) Yocum of Phillipsburg KS; brothers-in-law, Dan Miller of
Hays KS and Charles Miller of La Crosse KS; sisters-in-law, Stacie (Jack)
Ploutz of McCracken KS, Stephanie (Myron) Wasko of Rose Hill KS, and Laurie
Rollins of Salina KS; aunts, Willa Chestnut of Glade KS and Nancy Chestnut of
Hays KS.&nbsp;Additionally, Wes is survived by nieces: Joni Yocum of
Norton KS, Joell (Chad) Waganblast of Athol KS, Cassandra Ploutz-Bruynzeel of
The Netherlands, Jacqueline Ploutz of McCracken KS, Lauren Rollins of Salina
KS, Jessica (Steven) Walton of Elkins AR, and Amanda (Cayle) Neumann of Hays KS;
and nephews: Jon (Sommer) Yocum of Prairie View KS, Jason Wasko of Wichita KS,
and Alex Miller of Hays KS.Wes’ memory will be cherished by all who knew him for his
kind heart and his dedication to family.In accordance with Wes’ wishes, no formal services will be
held. The family kindly requests any donations be made to Austin Yocum’s
education fund. Cards and flowers may be sent to 513 E Twisted Oak Road, Derby,
KS, 67037Rest in eternal peace, Wes. You will be forever in our
hearts.

Westley James Yocum

Monday, January 27
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6pm

Tuesday, January 28
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UCF, 5:30pm &nbsp;KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KKQY: Plainville MWBKB at Ellsworth, approx. 5:45pm

Wednesday, January 29
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm

Thursday, January 30
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Washburn, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pm

Friday, January 31
 KKQY: Wheatland-Grinnell
MWBKB at Ness City, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Larned, 5:40pm

Saturday, February 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Central Missouri, 12:35pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Baylor, 1:30pm

Monday, January 27
 KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom,
6pmTuesday, January 28
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
UCF, 5:30pm &nbsp;KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KKQY: Plainville MWBKB at Ellsworth, approx. 5:45pmWednesday, January 29
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pmThursday, January 30
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Washburn, 5:05pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6pmFriday, January 31
 KKQY: Wheatland-Grinnell
MWBKB at Ness City, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Larned, 5:40pmSaturday, February 1
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB at Central Missouri, 12:35pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Baylor, 1:30pmSunday, February 2

 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The 11th-ranked Fort Hays State women begin a four-game road swing when they take on Rogers State on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Okla.

The 11th-ranked Fort Hays State women begin a four-game road swing when they take on Rogers State on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Claremore Expo Center in Claremore, Okla.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB at Rogers 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=ijp8j-17d2f6d-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 Rogers State

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Brayden Smith, Hays USD 489 orchestra teacher, has been recognized as a Kansas Horizon Award winner. 

This award recognizes exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding teachers in their first year.&nbsp;

Smith was one of 32 teachers honored this year with the award.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f1c505e-3b29-48f8-8d4a-b03f592ca83e">Dalton Kraus of Victoria was also honored this year.</a>

Superintendent Ron Wilson said students were complimentary of&nbsp;Smith when he was presented the award during class at HHS.

Hays High Principal Shawn Henderson said Smith does a fantastic job, and the district is blessed to have him as a teacher.

Henderson said Smith is organizing a full symphonic orchestra at the high school.&nbsp;

"He continues to add things that are really neat and set us apart," Henderson said. "We are lucky to have him."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737563864021.jpeg" alt="Brayden Smith, Hays USD 489 orchestra teacher, with Hays High Principal Shawn Henderson as Smith is recognized at Monday's school board meeting as a&nbsp;Kansas Horizon Award winner." />
 <figcaption>Brayden Smith, Hays USD 489 orchestra teacher, with Hays High Principal Shawn Henderson as Smith is recognized at Monday's school board meeting as a&nbsp;Kansas Horizon Award winner.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostBrayden Smith, Hays USD 489 orchestra teacher, has been recognized as a Kansas Horizon Award winner. This award recognizes exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding teachers in their first year.&nbsp;Smith was one of 32 teachers honored this year with the award.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f1c505e-3b29-48f8-8d4a-b03f592ca83e">Dalton Kraus of Victoria was also honored this year.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737566683819.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Superintendent Ron Wilson said students were complimentary of&nbsp;Smith when he was presented the award during class at HHS.Hays High Principal Shawn Henderson said Smith does a fantastic job, and the district is blessed to have him as a teacher.Henderson said Smith is organizing a full symphonic orchestra at the high school.&nbsp;"He continues to add things that are really neat and set us apart," Henderson said. "We are lucky to have him."

Hays teacher honored with Kansas Horizon Award

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

In a touching surprise, sixth-grade teacher Dalton Kraus from Victoria Elementary School was honored as one of Kansas' top educators.

Kraus received the Horizon Award for outstanding first-year teaching in 2023-2024. This award recognized his dedication to student engagement and creating a positive classroom culture.

"I kind of got emotional with all of this," Kraus said. "It lets me know that I'm on the right path."

The USD 432 administration nominated Kraus for his exceptional work, earning him a spot as one of this year's distinguished recipients.

Victoria Elementary Principal Deena Clark and Superintendent Kimberly Woolf surprised Kraus during the morning announcements on Jan. 13.  Via Zoom, Randy Watson, commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education, was also present.

Kraus' parents and his wife, a special education teacher at Victoria Elementary, were also present for the surprise, which Kraus was unaware of.

Kraus said the award has personal and professional significance, calling it a privilege and expressing humility.

"It's an incredible honor. I was very shocked when they announced it... it pushes me to do more," he said.

<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Kansas-Horizon-Award-Program">The Kansas Horizon Award</a> is given to first-year teachers in the state. Only 32 teachers across Kansas are selected yearly from about 5,000 qualifiers. Sixteen elementary and sixteen secondary teachers are chosen.

In his first year, the 2023-2024 academic school year, Kraus said he focused on building a positive classroom environment where students genuinely enjoy learning.

"I feel like [classroom culture] should be a big part of any teacher's classroom, worrying that kids are honest and respectful above anything but also getting them engaged," he said.

Kraus said he strives to keep students engaged by being entertaining and informative, recognizing that no two students are alike.

"Every student is different," he said. "That's one of my favorite parts of the job, which is allowing me to be more creative about how I get content to those 27 kids."

In his first year of teaching, Kraus faced behavior issues from students and felt overwhelmed, but he navigated them with patience and the support of his colleagues.

Kraus received guidance from Victoria Elementary School Interventionist Aide Brenda Dreiling and other staff members, which helped boost his confidence.

"I felt welcome from the first few days I was here," Kraus said. "I think it's the size of the school, but it feels really close-knit."

Kraus studied construction management at Fort Hays State University before focusing on education. During college, he started coaching and discovered his passion for working with students.

This led him to major in technology education, blending his interests in engineering and technology with a focus on teaching.

Before arriving in Victoria, Kraus taught at Hays Middle School under the mentorship of Brad Moritz, an exploratory and industrial tech teacher, where he taught technology-focused elective classes.

"My wife had told me about the job opening. A lot of her family is in Victoria, and she knows the district pretty well," Kraus said.

Kraus became a teacher and the head basketball coach for the junior high boys. His second job allowed him to develop more personal relationships with his students in a relaxed setting even after they left his class.

As he enters his second year of teaching, Kraus advises first-year teachers to ask questions and rely on colleagues for guidance, just as he did.

"There are so many people who are experienced and are such good teachers around here," he said. "It was cool when I got the recognition. Now it's like, 'I gotta back it up now.' That way, I'm not letting some of these people down, especially if they deserve some of that recognition, too."

Kraus and the other recipients are invited to a Kansas Exemplary Educator's Network conference and banquet in February. He plans on bringing his family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737378420121.jpeg" alt="Victoria Elementary Principal&nbsp;Deena Clark, Victoria Elementary teacher Dalton Kraus and Victoria Superintendent Kimberly Woolf. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Victoria Elementary Principal&nbsp;Deena Clark, Victoria Elementary teacher Dalton Kraus and Victoria Superintendent Kimberly Woolf. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostIn a touching surprise, sixth-grade teacher Dalton Kraus from Victoria Elementary School was honored as one of Kansas' top educators.Kraus received the Horizon Award for outstanding first-year teaching in 2023-2024. This award recognized his dedication to student engagement and creating a positive classroom culture. "I kind of got emotional with all of this," Kraus said. "It lets me know that I'm on the right path."The USD 432 administration nominated Kraus for his exceptional work, earning him a spot as one of this year's distinguished recipients.Victoria Elementary Principal Deena Clark and Superintendent Kimberly Woolf surprised Kraus during the morning announcements on Jan. 13. Via Zoom, Randy Watson, commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education, was also present.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737378487082.jpeg" alt="Victoria Elementary teacher Dalton Kraus with Jason Kraus,&nbsp;his father, Sidney Kraus, his wife, and Brianna Kraus, his mother, on the morning of his surprise announcement. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Victoria Elementary teacher Dalton Kraus with Jason Kraus,&nbsp;his father, Sidney Kraus, his wife, and Brianna Kraus, his mother, on the morning of his surprise announcement. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kraus' parents and his wife, a special education teacher at Victoria Elementary, were also present for the surprise, which Kraus was unaware of.Kraus said the award has personal and professional significance, calling it a privilege and expressing humility. "It's an incredible honor. I was very shocked when they announced it... it pushes me to do more," he said.<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Kansas-Horizon-Award-Program">The Kansas Horizon Award</a> is given to first-year teachers in the state. Only 32 teachers across Kansas are selected yearly from about 5,000 qualifiers. Sixteen elementary and sixteen secondary teachers are chosen.In his first year, the 2023-2024 academic school year, Kraus said he focused on building a positive classroom environment where students genuinely enjoy learning."I feel like [classroom culture] should be a big part of any teacher's classroom, worrying that kids are honest and respectful above anything but also getting them engaged," he said.Kraus said he strives to keep students engaged by being entertaining and informative, recognizing that no two students are alike."Every student is different," he said. "That's one of my favorite parts of the job, which is allowing me to be more creative about how I get content to those 27 kids."In his first year of teaching, Kraus faced behavior issues from students and felt overwhelmed, but he navigated them with patience and the support of his colleagues.Kraus received guidance from Victoria Elementary School Interventionist Aide Brenda Dreiling and other staff members, which helped boost his confidence."I felt welcome from the first few days I was here," Kraus said. "I think it's the size of the school, but it feels really close-knit."Kraus studied construction management at Fort Hays State University before focusing on education. During college, he started coaching and discovered his passion for working with students.This led him to major in technology education, blending his interests in engineering and technology with a focus on teaching.Before arriving in Victoria, Kraus taught at Hays Middle School under the mentorship of Brad Moritz, an exploratory and industrial tech teacher, where he taught technology-focused elective classes."My wife had told me about the job opening. A lot of her family is in Victoria, and she knows the district pretty well," Kraus said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737378593019.jpeg" alt="Victoria Elementary teacher Dalton Kraus and his wife, Sidney Kraus on the morning of his surprise announcement. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Victoria Elementary teacher Dalton Kraus and his wife, Sidney Kraus on the morning of his surprise announcement. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kraus became a teacher and the head basketball coach for the junior high boys. His second job allowed him to develop more personal relationships with his students in a relaxed setting even after they left his class.As he enters his second year of teaching, Kraus advises first-year teachers to ask questions and rely on colleagues for guidance, just as he did."There are so many people who are experienced and are such good teachers around here," he said. "It was cool when I got the recognition. Now it's like, 'I gotta back it up now.' That way, I'm not letting some of these people down, especially if they deserve some of that recognition, too."Kraus and the other recipients are invited to a Kansas Exemplary Educator's Network conference and banquet in February. He plans on bringing his family.

Victoria Elementary teacher named Horizon Award winner

HAYS, KS – First Care Clinic, Inc. is excited to announce two of their Registered Dental Hygienists have been named recipients of the 2025 Community Care Network of Kansas Extended Care Permit (ECP) III scholarship.

Annually, Community Care Network of Kansas (CCNK) partners with the Kansas Bureau of Oral Health to fund the ECP III scholarships. This scholarship is made available for Dental Hygienists to advance their careers through the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry’s ECP III course.

First Care Clinic is proud to have two Dental Hygienists receiving this scholarship for 2025, Cheyenne Branch and Kim Seib. Branch has been an employee of First Care Clinic for 10 years, and Seib has been with First Care Clinic for one year.&nbsp;

Dr. Ross Kee, First Care Clinic Dental Director stated, “ I am impressed with my team being motivated and taking the initiative to pursue their goals of achieving the ECP III. Their initiative speaks to the culture and values of First Care Clinic. I look forward to working alongside them as we implement their new skills to better serve our patients.”

Extended Care Permits were created to address the needs of special populations served by health centers and community clinics, like First Care Clinic. ECP III Dental Hygienists, under the supervision of a dentist, help extend oral health services to historically marginalized and underserved communities. By earning an ECP III, Dental Hygienists expand their scope of practice to provide a broader range of services, including:

First Care Clinic proudly serves sixty-six schools across the region providing childhood oral health screenings through the Dental Outreach Program. A team of one Registered Dental Hygienist and one Dental Assistant visits schools to provide preventative dental care on-site, with no out-of-pocket cost. This program provides uninsured and underinsured families with access to affordable dental services without needing to leave school.

First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990. Patients can also schedule same-day Express Care visits on our website. Book a time and skip the line!

“First Care Clinic. The region’s premiere medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”

For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704736976167.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, KS – First Care Clinic, Inc. is excited to announce two of their Registered Dental Hygienists have been named recipients of the 2025 Community Care Network of Kansas Extended Care Permit (ECP) III scholarship.Annually, Community Care Network of Kansas (CCNK) partners with the Kansas Bureau of Oral Health to fund the ECP III scholarships. This scholarship is made available for Dental Hygienists to advance their careers through the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry’s ECP III course.First Care Clinic is proud to have two Dental Hygienists receiving this scholarship for 2025, Cheyenne Branch and Kim Seib. Branch has been an employee of First Care Clinic for 10 years, and Seib has been with First Care Clinic for one year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737647856714.jpeg" alt="Cheyenne Branch" />
 <figcaption>Cheyenne Branch</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737647871847.jpeg" alt="Kim Sieb" />
 <figcaption>Kim Sieb</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Ross Kee, First Care Clinic Dental Director stated, “ I am impressed with my team being motivated and taking the initiative to pursue their goals of achieving the ECP III. Their initiative speaks to the culture and values of First Care Clinic. I look forward to working alongside them as we implement their new skills to better serve our patients.”Extended Care Permits were created to address the needs of special populations served by health centers and community clinics, like First Care Clinic. ECP III Dental Hygienists, under the supervision of a dentist, help extend oral health services to historically marginalized and underserved communities. By earning an ECP III, Dental Hygienists expand their scope of practice to provide a broader range of services, including:<ul>
 <li>Assessing for dental care referrals,</li><li>Removing decayed tooth structures using hand instruments,</li><li>Placing temporary restorations,</li><li>Adjusting dentures to relieve sore spots,</li><li>Managing dental emergencies,</li><li>And more, as specified by the Kansas Dental Board.</li>
 </ul>First Care Clinic proudly serves sixty-six schools across the region providing childhood oral health screenings through the Dental Outreach Program. A team of one Registered Dental Hygienist and one Dental Assistant visits schools to provide preventative dental care on-site, with no out-of-pocket cost. This program provides uninsured and underinsured families with access to affordable dental services without needing to leave school.<h2>ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC, INC.</h2>First Care Clinic is a federally qualified health center, with three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990. Patients can also schedule same-day Express Care visits on our website. Book a time and skip the line!“First Care Clinic. The region’s premiere medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).

James Thomas McIntyre

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team defeated the Newman Jets in come-from-behind fashion Sunday, winning 23-22 after trailing by as many as 11. The Tigers are now 5-3 overall and 2-0 in conference duals, while the Jets dip to 1-5 on the year and 1-2 in conference action.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/a-b-stokes/8307">A.B. Stokes</a>&nbsp;opened the day with a 16-3 major decision, giving the Tigers an early 4-0 lead. The redshirt freshman picked up a takedown in each period and added a four count late in the bout to secure the major decision.

Newman answered back with wins in the next three bouts, including a pin at 141 pounds to jump in front 12-4.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/marcell-dely/8293">Marcell Dely</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers stop the bleeding with a narrow 7-6 decision at 157 pounds. With the score tied at six late in the third period, Dely was awarded a penalty point after multiple stalling calls on the Jets, giving the Tigers three much needed team points.

The Tigers were then open at 165 pounds, putting the Jets on top 18-7 with four matches to go.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/connor-padgett/8304">Connor Padgett</a>&nbsp;started the comeback at 174 pounds with an 18-2 technical fall in just 3:12. The redshirt freshman managed four takedowns and six nearfall points to complete the dominant win.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/matthew-rodriguez/8306">Matthew Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;followed with another technical fall at 184 pounds, defeating his opponent 15-0 in less than four minutes. The Salina, Kan. native led 7-0 after the first period thanks to a takedown and four nearfall points before Rodriguez finished things off early in the second period with a reversal and six more nearfall points.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tereus-henry/8295">Tereus Henry</a>, the 11th-ranked wrestler at 197 pounds, put the Tigers back on top 23-18 with a second period pin. The former All-American picked up one takedown and a pair of four-counts in the first period before securing the pin at the 4:19 mark.

Down five and with the tiebreak criteria in hand, the Jets could manage only four points in the 285 bout with a 12-0 major decision, helping the Tigers hold on to beat the Jets for a fifth-straight dual and remain a perfect 10-0 at home against Newman.

Fort Hays State will conclude its home schedule next Saturday when the Tigers host No. 21 Central Missouri beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Fort Hays State 23, Newman 22 125 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/a-b-stokes/8307">A.B. Stokes</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Dylan Sheler (MD 16-3) 133 - Jevin Foust over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/andrew-honas/8314">Andrew Honas</a>&nbsp;(Dec 8-1) 141 - Trent Moses over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/kevin-honas/8296">Kevin Honas</a>&nbsp;(Fall 2:47) 149 - Colby Schreiner over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/drew-bell/8290">Drew Bell</a>&nbsp;(Dec 9-8) 157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/marcell-dely/8293">Marcell Dely</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Hunter Dietrich (Dec 7-6) 165 - #13 Jace Fisher over Unknown (For.) 174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/connor-padgett/8304">Connor Padgett</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Chris Mapp (TF 18-2 3:12) 184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/matthew-rodriguez/8306">Matthew Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Dane Donigian (TF 15-0 3:54) 197 - #11&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tereus-henry/8295">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Erik Tomanek (Fall 4:20) 285 - Caleb Wunsch over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/riah-ostrander/8302">Riah Ostrander</a>&nbsp;(MD 12-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737976173751.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Coryn Hahn</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team defeated the Newman Jets in come-from-behind fashion Sunday, winning 23-22 after trailing by as many as 11. The Tigers are now 5-3 overall and 2-0 in conference duals, while the Jets dip to 1-5 on the year and 1-2 in conference action.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/a-b-stokes/8307">A.B. Stokes</a>&nbsp;opened the day with a 16-3 major decision, giving the Tigers an early 4-0 lead. The redshirt freshman picked up a takedown in each period and added a four count late in the bout to secure the major decision.Newman answered back with wins in the next three bouts, including a pin at 141 pounds to jump in front 12-4.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/marcell-dely/8293">Marcell Dely</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers stop the bleeding with a narrow 7-6 decision at 157 pounds. With the score tied at six late in the third period, Dely was awarded a penalty point after multiple stalling calls on the Jets, giving the Tigers three much needed team points.The Tigers were then open at 165 pounds, putting the Jets on top 18-7 with four matches to go.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/connor-padgett/8304">Connor Padgett</a>&nbsp;started the comeback at 174 pounds with an 18-2 technical fall in just 3:12. The redshirt freshman managed four takedowns and six nearfall points to complete the dominant win.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/matthew-rodriguez/8306">Matthew Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;followed with another technical fall at 184 pounds, defeating his opponent 15-0 in less than four minutes. The Salina, Kan. native led 7-0 after the first period thanks to a takedown and four nearfall points before Rodriguez finished things off early in the second period with a reversal and six more nearfall points.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tereus-henry/8295">Tereus Henry</a>, the 11th-ranked wrestler at 197 pounds, put the Tigers back on top 23-18 with a second period pin. The former All-American picked up one takedown and a pair of four-counts in the first period before securing the pin at the 4:19 mark.Down five and with the tiebreak criteria in hand, the Jets could manage only four points in the 285 bout with a 12-0 major decision, helping the Tigers hold on to beat the Jets for a fifth-straight dual and remain a perfect 10-0 at home against Newman.UP NEXTFort Hays State will conclude its home schedule next Saturday when the Tigers host No. 21 Central Missouri beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.Fort Hays State 23, Newman 22 125 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/a-b-stokes/8307">A.B. Stokes</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Dylan Sheler (MD 16-3) 133 - Jevin Foust over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/andrew-honas/8314">Andrew Honas</a>&nbsp;(Dec 8-1) 141 - Trent Moses over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/kevin-honas/8296">Kevin Honas</a>&nbsp;(Fall 2:47) 149 - Colby Schreiner over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/drew-bell/8290">Drew Bell</a>&nbsp;(Dec 9-8) 157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/marcell-dely/8293">Marcell Dely</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Hunter Dietrich (Dec 7-6) 165 - #13 Jace Fisher over Unknown (For.) 174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/connor-padgett/8304">Connor Padgett</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Chris Mapp (TF 18-2 3:12) 184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/matthew-rodriguez/8306">Matthew Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Dane Donigian (TF 15-0 3:54) 197 - #11&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tereus-henry/8295">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;Erik Tomanek (Fall 4:20) 285 - Caleb Wunsch over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/riah-ostrander/8302">Riah Ostrander</a>&nbsp;(MD 12-0)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♂️ Tiger men rally past Newman

Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the e-Community loan program.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" 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=3rb4f-17c6658-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 e-Community loan program.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses e-Community loans

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Members of the Hays High School boys’ swim team were introduced to their third head coach in as many years last October.

Tyler Stein, a Fort Hays State University student now with the title of Coach, has the Indians believing in themselves and their talent—so much so that the small squad of 11 hopes to make history next month.

The Indians will battle other Western Athletic Conference teams with much larger squads on Feb. 13 in Garden City for the league title.

Stein, a former all-state swimmer from Great Bend, was hired late in the game—only a few weeks before the start of the 2024-25 season—but he dove in without a splash.

“Coaching was not something I thought I’d be doing,” said Stein, a finance major at FHSU. “But I love the sport, so once I had this opportunity, I jumped on it.”

He immediately laid out his philosophy of what it takes to be successful in the pool: hard work, discipline, routine, conditioning and correct diet—to name a few. And he was right there to help them better their techniques.

“I made it very clear from the first day that I wasn’t there to be their friend. I told them, ‘I’m here to be your coach,’” he said. “My job is to push them and to make them better than the day before.”&nbsp;

It took only a couple of meets for the swimmers to realize their coach knew what he was talking about.

From the get-go, the Indians started bettering their times at each successive meet.

Hays High gave its fans an exhilarating treat at its home meet on Jan. 21. The Indians won eight of the 11 events while bettering their previous-best times in all those championship performances.

“It’s normal to have a couple of PRs throughout the season,” Stein said. “But to consistently drop times like they have been is amazing. It makes me so proud of them as a coach.”

Due to a lack of numbers, small teams often struggle to place as high as larger schools in high school swim team competitions.

Therefore, the Indians didn’t win the team title at their home meet, but Stein thinks that’s a possibility at a larger meet, where points are spread out more.&nbsp;

He is working to put his swimmers in the correct events to make that happen at WAC.

“In a way, it’s like a puzzle,” he said. “I have to make the correct lineup, put them in the events they can excel at while making sure they have enough rest in between events.”

Senior Marshall Sook has goals of breaking Stein’s 50-yard freestyle WAC record of 22.81 seconds. Sook’s career-best in that event is 23.46.

“I’m pushing him to get him there,” Stein said. “As cool as it was to set that record as a swimmer, it would be even more enjoyable as a coach to see one of my swimmers break it.”

Sook has automatically qualified for state in the 50-yard freestyle while also leading the 200-yard freestyle relay to a state-qualifying time. Joining him at state on that relay team will be juniors Chase Zadina and Karsen Flaska and sophomore Cedric Durr.

Sook, who started swimming competitively in seventh grade with the local swim club, said Stein is easy to “trust because he’s put this philosophy to practice before as a swimmer.”

“He’s got everyone wanting to do better and wanting to work hard,” Sook added, “and we’re seeing the results of that hard work.”

Whatever the outcome at the WAC meet, the Indians’ ultimate goal is to qualify as many swimmers as possible for state competition.

With three meets remaining on the schedule, Sook has already hit state-qualifying times in two individual events while also helping the 200-yard freestyle relay team qualify for the Class 5-1A state championships Feb. 20-22 in Lenexa.

HHS has reached state-consideration times in several additional events, and Stein thinks he will be taking a van load of competitors to the season finale.

It’s something he plans to get used to. He is on board to coach the HHS girls’ team this spring—and then come back for another year in 2025-26.&nbsp;

“It’s been a great learning experience,” Stein said. “I know a lot about the sport, but I had to learn about getting the team transportation and setting things up.”

“I’m learning as I go,” he added. “The parents help out a lot, and so do the swimmers.”

And it’s been an enjoyable ride for all involved.

Other seniors with whom Stein has relied on for leadership this year are Christian Miller, Justin Reeves and Bryton Unsworth. Juniors Zadina and Flaska are joined by classmates Levi Crisenberry, Noah Schaeffer and Jude Hileman. Rounding out the roster are a pair of sophomores—Durr and Alex Leiker.

Sook also has hit state-consideration standards in the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly, as have Zadina (50-yard freestyle) and Flaska (100-yard backstroke), as well as both the other Indian relay teams (200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle).

The Kansas State High School Activities Association sets automatic qualifying times and adds the fastest consideration times to fill out each event.

Flaska, whose main sport is baseball in the spring, didn’t start swimming competitively until his freshman year at HHS.

He said he thinks swimming helps with conditioning for baseball. But right now, the spring season can wait. The Indians have plenty to accomplish yet this winter.

“It’s been a pretty exciting year,” Flaska said. “And I think our success is a 100% coaching. He definitely pushes us, and it’s fun to see how far it takes us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737857685338.jpeg" alt="Coach Tyler Stein, center with black shirt, has the Hays High School boys’ swim team believing in accomplishing goals the Indians never thought possible. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Coach Tyler Stein, center with black shirt, has the Hays High School boys’ swim team believing in accomplishing goals the Indians never thought possible. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731093059976.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostMembers of the Hays High School boys’ swim team were introduced to their third head coach in as many years last October.And an amazing thing happened.Tyler Stein, a Fort Hays State University student now with the title of Coach, has the Indians believing in themselves and their talent—so much so that the small squad of 11 hopes to make history next month.The Indians will battle other Western Athletic Conference teams with much larger squads on Feb. 13 in Garden City for the league title.Stein, a former all-state swimmer from Great Bend, was hired late in the game—only a few weeks before the start of the 2024-25 season—but he dove in without a splash.“Coaching was not something I thought I’d be doing,” said Stein, a finance major at FHSU. “But I love the sport, so once I had this opportunity, I jumped on it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737857793736.jpeg" alt="Members of the 400-yard freestyle relay team celebrate their victory at their home meet. From left are Marshall Sook, Cedric Durr, Karsen Flaska and Chase Zadina. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Members of the 400-yard freestyle relay team celebrate their victory at their home meet. From left are Marshall Sook, Cedric Durr, Karsen Flaska and Chase Zadina. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>He immediately laid out his philosophy of what it takes to be successful in the pool: hard work, discipline, routine, conditioning and correct diet—to name a few. And he was right there to help them better their techniques.“I made it very clear from the first day that I wasn’t there to be their friend. I told them, ‘I’m here to be your coach,’” he said. “My job is to push them and to make them better than the day before.”&nbsp;It took only a couple of meets for the swimmers to realize their coach knew what he was talking about.From the get-go, the Indians started bettering their times at each successive meet.Hays High gave its fans an exhilarating treat at its home meet on Jan. 21. The Indians won eight of the 11 events while bettering their previous-best times in all those championship performances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737857858173.jpeg" alt="Swimmers wear the Hays High parkas with pride this year. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Swimmers wear the Hays High parkas with pride this year. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s normal to have a couple of PRs throughout the season,” Stein said. “But to consistently drop times like they have been is amazing. It makes me so proud of them as a coach.”Due to a lack of numbers, small teams often struggle to place as high as larger schools in high school swim team competitions.Therefore, the Indians didn’t win the team title at their home meet, but Stein thinks that’s a possibility at a larger meet, where points are spread out more.&nbsp;He is working to put his swimmers in the correct events to make that happen at WAC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737857992919.jpeg" alt="Coach Tyler Stein shouts encouragement to junior Chase Zadina in the 200-yard freestyle race at the Indians’ home meet. Zadina won the race, bettering his previous-best time by almost 13 seconds. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/ Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Coach Tyler Stein shouts encouragement to junior Chase Zadina in the 200-yard freestyle race at the Indians’ home meet. Zadina won the race, bettering his previous-best time by almost 13 seconds. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/ Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“In a way, it’s like a puzzle,” he said. “I have to make the correct lineup, put them in the events they can excel at while making sure they have enough rest in between events.”Senior Marshall Sook has goals of breaking Stein’s 50-yard freestyle WAC record of 22.81 seconds. Sook’s career-best in that event is 23.46.“I’m pushing him to get him there,” Stein said. “As cool as it was to set that record as a swimmer, it would be even more enjoyable as a coach to see one of my swimmers break it.”Sook has automatically qualified for state in the 50-yard freestyle while also leading the 200-yard freestyle relay to a state-qualifying time. Joining him at state on that relay team will be juniors Chase Zadina and Karsen Flaska and sophomore Cedric Durr.Sook, who started swimming competitively in seventh grade with the local swim club, said Stein is easy to “trust because he’s put this philosophy to practice before as a swimmer.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737858045151.jpeg" alt="Knowing what a vital role families play in the success of his swimmers, Coach Tyler Stein congratulates seniors on the team while also thanking their parents at the Indians’ home meet. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Knowing what a vital role families play in the success of his swimmers, Coach Tyler Stein congratulates seniors on the team while also thanking their parents at the Indians’ home meet. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“He’s got everyone wanting to do better and wanting to work hard,” Sook added, “and we’re seeing the results of that hard work.”Whatever the outcome at the WAC meet, the Indians’ ultimate goal is to qualify as many swimmers as possible for state competition.With three meets remaining on the schedule, Sook has already hit state-qualifying times in two individual events while also helping the 200-yard freestyle relay team qualify for the Class 5-1A state championships Feb. 20-22 in Lenexa.HHS has reached state-consideration times in several additional events, and Stein thinks he will be taking a van load of competitors to the season finale.It’s something he plans to get used to. He is on board to coach the HHS girls’ team this spring—and then come back for another year in 2025-26.&nbsp;“It’s been a great learning experience,” Stein said. “I know a lot about the sport, but I had to learn about getting the team transportation and setting things up.”“I’m learning as I go,” he added. “The parents help out a lot, and so do the swimmers.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737858619088.jpeg" alt="Team unity is a huge element of Coach Tyler Stein’s philosophy. As he talks with Cedric Durr after a race, teammates Karsen Flaska, Chase Zadina and Noah Schaeffer congratulate their teammate. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Team unity is a huge element of Coach Tyler Stein’s philosophy. As he talks with Cedric Durr after a race, teammates Karsen Flaska, Chase Zadina and Noah Schaeffer congratulate their teammate. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien/Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>And it’s been an enjoyable ride for all involved.Other seniors with whom Stein has relied on for leadership this year are Christian Miller, Justin Reeves and Bryton Unsworth. Juniors Zadina and Flaska are joined by classmates Levi Crisenberry, Noah Schaeffer and Jude Hileman. Rounding out the roster are a pair of sophomores—Durr and Alex Leiker.Sook also has hit state-consideration standards in the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly, as have Zadina (50-yard freestyle) and Flaska (100-yard backstroke), as well as both the other Indian relay teams (200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle).The Kansas State High School Activities Association sets automatic qualifying times and adds the fastest consideration times to fill out each event.Flaska, whose main sport is baseball in the spring, didn’t start swimming competitively until his freshman year at HHS.He said he thinks swimming helps with conditioning for baseball. But right now, the spring season can wait. The Indians have plenty to accomplish yet this winter.“It’s been a pretty exciting year,” Flaska said. “And I think our success is a 100% coaching. He definitely pushes us, and it’s fun to see how far it takes us.”

NWester: Hays High swimmers reaping benefit of new coach’s philosophy

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. 

 Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $1,632 Household of one $2,215 Household of two $2,798 Household of three $3,380 Household of four $3,963 Household of five $4,546 Household of six $5,129 Household of seven $5,712 Household of eight

*Add $583 for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be: applesauce, black beans, whole kernel corn, tomatoes, long rice, beef stew, egg noodles, garbanzo beans, Alaskan pollock, raisins, fruit and nut mix, pouch of chicken, pork taco filling, collards, mixed vegetables, pollock nuggets, and wheat toast cereal.&nbsp;

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592580255349.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGovernment surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $1,632 Household of one $2,215 Household of two $2,798 Household of three $3,380 Household of four $3,963 Household of five $4,546 Household of six $5,129 Household of seven $5,712 Household of eight*Add $583 for each additional family member after eightCommodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be: applesauce, black beans, whole kernel corn, tomatoes, long rice, beef stew, egg noodles, garbanzo beans, Alaskan pollock, raisins, fruit and nut mix, pouch of chicken, pork taco filling, collards, mixed vegetables, pollock nuggets, and wheat toast cereal.&nbsp;Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

Food commodities to be distributed in Hays on Jan. 28

The Ellis County Conservation District has selected L &amp; N Farming for the 2024 Conservation award.

L &amp; N Farming is co-owned by brothers Leon and Norbert Kuhn of Victoria.

Leon and Norbert’s father, Alfred Kuhn, inherited a quarter section of land then bought another quarter section of land in 1965. He and his wife raised four children together: Leon, Norbert, Donna, and Diane. The Kuhn family was living in Plainville, Kansas, and in 1965 they moved near Victoria. 

The Kuhn kids were raised helping with their family’s dairy business, they grew up milking cows and selling milk.

The brothers started farming in 1978 with the help of their Uncle Eugene Schmeidler. L &amp; N Farming was established.

Leon graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1978 with a bachelor of arts in ag business. He married Colleen Dinkel from Victoria, Kansas, in 1991. They have two sons, Dylan and Nathan Kuhn. Dylan is married to Heather with two children and another child expected in May. Nathan is engaged to Kylie Benear who has three children.

Norbert and Donna live in Alfred’s house north of Victoria and Leon and Colleen live in Alfred’s father’s house two miles away. Diane lives in Victoria.

The original Kuhn homestead has been in the family for over 100 years. 

Their great-great-grandfather received a quarter section of land from the railroad through the Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead Act allowed people to claim 160 acres of government land for free if they met certain requirements. He built a house on the property, lived on the property, and farmed the land.

Leon and Norbert are continuing with their family’s stewardship of the land. 

Their father put in waterways and terraces when he acquired his property. In 2010 his sons went no-till on everything and started rebuilding the terraces. They found that the terraces didn’t have to be plowed after going no-till. During the December 15, 2021, storms, Leon and Norbert didn’t have problems with blowing dust due to no-till practices. 

Their crop rotation used to be wheat, milo, and sunflowers. In 2016 the sunflowers were replaced with corn. They are considering replacing corn with something else. They have dabbled in planting cover crops with success, and they grow forage sorghum for cows.

L &amp; N Farming farms 1,300 acres of mostly rented ground and they have run a cattle truck since 1984. They run a cow-calf operation of forty-five heads. They wanted to stop the trucking part of the business when the farming part took off but haven’t stopped yet. One brother runs a truck and the other brother farms. Every week they swap roles so it’s one week in truck, one week on farm, one week in truck, one week on farm.

Leon and Norbert’s business has become a family affair. Dylan and Nathan help with the crops and have cattle of their own. Heather, Kylie, Colleen, Donna, and Diane pitch in and help with things that need to be done. According to Leon, “We wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737558001196.jpeg" alt="Norbert Kuhn. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Norbert Kuhn. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Ellis County Conservation District has selected L &amp; N Farming for the 2024 Conservation award.L &amp; N Farming is co-owned by brothers Leon and Norbert Kuhn of Victoria.Leon and Norbert’s father, Alfred Kuhn, inherited a quarter section of land then bought another quarter section of land in 1965. He and his wife raised four children together: Leon, Norbert, Donna, and Diane. The Kuhn family was living in Plainville, Kansas, and in 1965 they moved near Victoria. The Kuhn kids were raised helping with their family’s dairy business, they grew up milking cows and selling milk.The brothers started farming in 1978 with the help of their Uncle Eugene Schmeidler. L &amp; N Farming was established.Leon graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1978 with a bachelor of arts in ag business. He married Colleen Dinkel from Victoria, Kansas, in 1991. They have two sons, Dylan and Nathan Kuhn. Dylan is married to Heather with two children and another child expected in May. Nathan is engaged to Kylie Benear who has three children.Norbert and Donna live in Alfred’s house north of Victoria and Leon and Colleen live in Alfred’s father’s house two miles away. Diane lives in Victoria.The original Kuhn homestead has been in the family for over 100 years. Their great-great-grandfather received a quarter section of land from the railroad through the Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead Act allowed people to claim 160 acres of government land for free if they met certain requirements. He built a house on the property, lived on the property, and farmed the land.Leon and Norbert are continuing with their family’s stewardship of the land. Their father put in waterways and terraces when he acquired his property. In 2010 his sons went no-till on everything and started rebuilding the terraces. They found that the terraces didn’t have to be plowed after going no-till. During the December 15, 2021, storms, Leon and Norbert didn’t have problems with blowing dust due to no-till practices. Their crop rotation used to be wheat, milo, and sunflowers. In 2016 the sunflowers were replaced with corn. They are considering replacing corn with something else. They have dabbled in planting cover crops with success, and they grow forage sorghum for cows.L &amp; N Farming farms 1,300 acres of mostly rented ground and they have run a cattle truck since 1984. They run a cow-calf operation of forty-five heads. They wanted to stop the trucking part of the business when the farming part took off but haven’t stopped yet. One brother runs a truck and the other brother farms. Every week they swap roles so it’s one week in truck, one week on farm, one week in truck, one week on farm.Leon and Norbert’s business has become a family affair. Dylan and Nathan help with the crops and have cattle of their own. Heather, Kylie, Colleen, Donna, and Diane pitch in and help with things that need to be done. According to Leon, “We wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

L & N Farming earns 2024 Conservation award 

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

COLBY - The Hays High girls and boys both played for the championship of the 40th Annual Colby Orange and Black Classic on Saturday. The girls' defeated Colby 52, 35 in a matchup of state ranked teams. The boys lost&nbsp; to Olathe North 63-39.&nbsp;

GIRLS: #8-5A 52, #5-3A 35 Hays never trailed in a 52-35 victory over Colby in the first championship game. The Indians scored the first two points of the game which was matched by Colby on the next possession. A 6-0 spurt gave Hays the lead for good.&nbsp;

Hays led 15-10 after one quarter. The advantage grew to double digits for the first time at 22-12 three minutes into the second quarter. Hays scored on an offensive rebound stick back with four seconds left in the first half to keep the lead at ten 30-20.

Colby never got closer than seven points rest of the way. The Indians had the lead up to 14 points early in the third quarter and were still up 37-24 when the Eagles started living at the free throw line. Colby went on an 8-2 run to close within seven at 39-32. All the points by the Eagles were from the stripe.&nbsp;

Hays beat the third quarter buzzer for a basket and a 41-32 lead. Colby managed just three fourth quarter points while Hays added 11 more to their total for the 52-35 victory.

Hays(12-0) claims their first Orange &amp; Black Classic title since 2019. Colby(11-2) loses for just the second time this season. Hays is 12-0 for the first time since the 1982-83 season.

Molly Martin, Katie Linenberger, and Jenna Schmeidler were named to the tournament team. Schmeidler, a freshman, was name tournament MVP.

Hays returns to action on Friday in Great Bend.

Jenna Schmeidler 17; Annie Humphrey 2; Katie Linenberger 8; Molly Martin 13; Kenlee Winter 0; Morgan Armbruster 3; Jaysa Roa 0; Riley Dreher 0; Lynsi Kanak 0; Molly Buckles 2; Zoe Winter 6.

BOYS: Olathe North 63, Hays 39 Olathe North was just too much for the Hays High Indians in a 63-39 victory.

Hays led by two points early at 2-0 and 4-2 over the first minute of the game. Olathe North erased that with a 13-0 run that lasted the remaining seven minutes of the first quarter.&nbsp;

A three pointer by North to open the second quarter pushed the run to 16-0 and the lead for the Eagles out to 18-4. Back to back field goals by the Indians cut the lead down to ten which would be the closest Hays would be for the remainder of the game.

The Eagles led by a score of 35-18 at halftime.

The Eagles continued to have firm control of the game through the second half. A bucket by Hays to open the third quarter was followed up by a 10-0 run by North for 45-20 edge.

The North lead grew to thirty at one point in the third quarter and was near that at 57-29 going to the fourth.

North led by as many as 32 in the fourth quarter which put the clock into continuous clock mode. Hays did go on a 8-0 run to end the game with the final score of 63-39.

Olathe North(9-2) has won three consecutive Orange &amp; Black tournament championships. They are 11-1 through their four appearances in Colby. Hays(7-5) has their four game winning streak snapped. Three of the Indians losses have come to state ranked 6A teams.

Hays is 4-6 in tournament championships in Colby. Dawson Ruder was named to the All-Tournament team. Izaac Fox earned the Off-The-Bench award. Hays has won the award five of the last seven years and twelfth time overall.

Hays returns to action on Friday in Great Bend. That trip will complete eight straight road games for the Indians that dates back to the final game of 2024.

Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 2; Trace Jacobs 2; Cooper Lindenmeyer 0; Brogan Albers 0; Trey Oakley 9; Tiger Johnson 5; Brody Harmoney 0; Izaac Fox 10; Noah Smalley 0; Brecken Otte 0; Dawson Ruder 9; Alex Loving 2; Cardarion Owens 0; Andre Pfeifer 0.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostCOLBY - The Hays High girls and boys both played for the championship of the 40th Annual Colby Orange and Black Classic on Saturday. The girls' defeated Colby 52, 35 in a matchup of state ranked teams. The boys lost&nbsp; to Olathe North 63-39.&nbsp;GIRLS: #8-5A 52, #5-3A 35 Hays never trailed in a 52-35 victory over Colby in the first championship game. The Indians scored the first two points of the game which was matched by Colby on the next possession. A 6-0 spurt gave Hays the lead for good.&nbsp;Hays led 15-10 after one quarter. The advantage grew to double digits for the first time at 22-12 three minutes into the second quarter. Hays scored on an offensive rebound stick back with four seconds left in the first half to keep the lead at ten 30-20.Highlights<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/2018266909&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/hays-high-wbkb-highlights-v-3" title="Hays High WBKB Highlights v Colby Jan 25,2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High WBKB Highlights v Colby Jan 25,2025</a></div></div>Colby never got closer than seven points rest of the way. The Indians had the lead up to 14 points early in the third quarter and were still up 37-24 when the Eagles started living at the free throw line. Colby went on an 8-2 run to close within seven at 39-32. All the points by the Eagles were from the stripe.&nbsp;Hays beat the third quarter buzzer for a basket and a 41-32 lead. Colby managed just three fourth quarter points while Hays added 11 more to their total for the 52-35 victory.Coach Len Melvin<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/2018266709&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/hays-high-wbkb-coach-post-v" title="Hays High WBKB Coach Post v Colby Jan 25, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High WBKB Coach Post v Colby Jan 25, 2025</a></div></div>Hays(12-0) claims their first Orange &amp; Black Classic title since 2019. Colby(11-2) loses for just the second time this season. Hays is 12-0 for the first time since the 1982-83 season.Molly Martin, Katie Linenberger, and Jenna Schmeidler were named to the tournament team. Schmeidler, a freshman, was name tournament MVP.Hays returns to action on Friday in Great Bend.Jenna Schmeidler 17; Annie Humphrey 2; Katie Linenberger 8; Molly Martin 13; Kenlee Winter 0; Morgan Armbruster 3; Jaysa Roa 0; Riley Dreher 0; Lynsi Kanak 0; Molly Buckles 2; Zoe Winter 6.BOYS: Olathe North 63, Hays 39 Olathe North was just too much for the Hays High Indians in a 63-39 victory.Hays led by two points early at 2-0 and 4-2 over the first minute of the game. Olathe North erased that with a 13-0 run that lasted the remaining seven minutes of the first quarter.&nbsp;A three pointer by North to open the second quarter pushed the run to 16-0 and the lead for the Eagles out to 18-4. Back to back field goals by the Indians cut the lead down to ten which would be the closest Hays would be for the remainder of the game.The Eagles led by a score of 35-18 at halftime.Highlights<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/2018292889&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/hays-high-mbkb-highlights-v-4" title="Hays High MBKB Highlights v Olathe North Jan 25, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High MBKB Highlights v Olathe North Jan 25, 2025</a></div></div>The Eagles continued to have firm control of the game through the second half. A bucket by Hays to open the third quarter was followed up by a 10-0 run by North for 45-20 edge.The North lead grew to thirty at one point in the third quarter and was near that at 57-29 going to the fourth.North led by as many as 32 in the fourth quarter which put the clock into continuous clock mode. Hays did go on a 8-0 run to end the game with the final score of 63-39.Coach Sean Dreiling<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/2018293121&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/hays-high-mbkb-coach-post-v" title="Hays High MBKB Coach Post v Olathe North Jan 25, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High MBKB Coach Post v Olathe North Jan 25, 2025</a></div></div>Olathe North(9-2) has won three consecutive Orange &amp; Black tournament championships. They are 11-1 through their four appearances in Colby. Hays(7-5) has their four game winning streak snapped. Three of the Indians losses have come to state ranked 6A teams.Hays is 4-6 in tournament championships in Colby. Dawson Ruder was named to the All-Tournament team. Izaac Fox earned the Off-The-Bench award. Hays has won the award five of the last seven years and twelfth time overall.Hays returns to action on Friday in Great Bend. That trip will complete eight straight road games for the Indians that dates back to the final game of 2024.Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 2; Trace Jacobs 2; Cooper Lindenmeyer 0; Brogan Albers 0; Trey Oakley 9; Tiger Johnson 5; Brody Harmoney 0; Izaac Fox 10; Noah Smalley 0; Brecken Otte 0; Dawson Ruder 9; Alex Loving 2; Cardarion Owens 0; Andre Pfeifer 0.

🏀 Hays girls win Colby title; boys runner-up

HAYS - The Hays High boys had four wrestlers finish in the top three of their respective weight classes and finished fifth at their own Bob Kuhn Prairie Classic which wrapped up Saturday at Hays High School.

Cyler Luck (20-6) placed second at 106. Jonathan Rigler (20-5) was second at 190.&nbsp;Dalton Meyers (18-2) finished third at 175 and&nbsp;Tanner Geist (13-5) was third at 285.

Manhattan won the team title (245.5), Phillipsburg placed second (136) and Russell was third (117.5).

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High boys had four wrestlers finish in the top three of their respective weight classes and finished fifth at their own Bob Kuhn Prairie Classic which wrapped up Saturday at Hays High School.Cyler Luck (20-6) placed second at 106. Jonathan Rigler (20-5) was second at 190.&nbsp;Dalton Meyers (18-2) finished third at 175 and&nbsp;Tanner Geist (13-5) was third at 285.Manhattan won the team title (245.5), Phillipsburg placed second (136) and Russell was third (117.5).<h2>Bob Kuhn Prairie Classic Results for Hays</h2><h2>106</h2>Cyler Luck (20-6) placed 2nd and scored 23.5 team points.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Cyler Luck (Hays ) 20-6 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Quarterfinal - Cyler Luck (Hays ) 20-6 won by tech fall over Abel Spencer (Great Bend) 2-3 (TF-1.5 6:00 (18-3))</li><li>Semifinal - Cyler Luck (Hays ) 20-6 won by fall over Tanner Bolt (Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail HS) 23-9 (Fall 1:30)</li><li>1st Place Match - Xzander Donner (Russell) 26-2 won by major decision over Cyler Luck (Hays ) 20-6 (MD 13-4)</li>
 </ul><h2>106</h2>Gaven Deneault (9-3) placed 5th.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Gaven Deneault (Hays ) 9-3 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Quarterfinal - Xzander Donner (Russell) 26-2 won by tech fall over Gaven Deneault (Hays ) 9-3 (TF-1.5 5:55 (21-5))</li><li>Cons. Round 2 - Gaven Deneault (Hays ) 9-3 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Cons. Round 3 - Gaven Deneault (Hays ) 9-3 won by fall over Trey Santiago (Kapaun) 7-6 (Fall 0:58)</li><li>Cons. Semi - Tanner Bolt (Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail HS) 23-9 won by fall over Gaven Deneault (Hays ) 9-3 (Fall 2:18)</li><li>5th Place Match - Gaven Deneault (Hays ) 9-3 won by major decision over Abel Spencer (Great Bend) 2-3 (MD 11-2)</li>
 </ul><h2>113</h2>Camden Luck (12-11) placed 6th and scored 4.0 team points.<ul>
 <li>Quarterfinal - Xzephren Donner (Russell) 22-3 won by tech fall over Camden Luck (Hays ) 12-11 (TF-1.5 4:21 (15-0))</li><li>Cons. Round 1 - Camden Luck (Hays ) 12-11 won by decision over Dominic Sanchez (Ulysses) 10-11 (Dec 12-8)</li><li>Cons. Semi - Isaiah Peachey (Hugoton) 14-3 won by decision over Camden Luck (Hays ) 12-11 (Dec 5-3)</li><li>5th Place Match - Tate Blackwill (Trego Community ) 25-5 won by decision over Camden Luck (Hays ) 12-11 (Dec 10-5)</li>
 </ul><h2>120</h2>Ethan Branaman (6-21) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Ethan Branaman (Hays ) 6-21 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Quarterfinal - Tanner Sleichter (Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail HS) 24-2 won by fall over Ethan Branaman (Hays ) 6-21 (Fall 3:01)</li><li>Cons. Round 2 - Osten Kuehn (Goddard-Eisenhower) 3-4 won by fall over Ethan Branaman (Hays ) 6-21 (Fall 3:45)</li>
 </ul><h2>132</h2>Grady Lind (13-6) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Brody Beckman (Oakley) 20-12 won by fall over Grady Lind (Hays ) 13-6 (Fall 4:52)</li><li>Cons. Round 1 - Grady Lind (Hays ) 13-6 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Cons. Round 2 - Hayden Liles (Great Bend) 12-12 won by decision over Grady Lind (Hays ) 13-6 (Dec 3-1)</li>
 </ul><h2>138</h2>Mason Desaire (6-5) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Will Donley (Ellsworth) 12-8 won by tech fall over Mason Desaire (Hays ) 6-5 (TF-1.5 2:54 (15-0))</li><li>Cons. Round 1 - Joseph Panfil (Manhattan) 11-17 won by tech fall over Mason Desaire (Hays ) 6-5 (TF-1.5 4:16 (15-0))</li>
 </ul><h2>150</h2>Roberto Macias (19-7) placed 7th and scored 6.5 team points.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Roberto Macias (Hays ) 19-7 won by decision over Eli Koster (Kapaun) 22-14 (Dec 12-7)</li><li>Quarterfinal - Cole Keeten (Phillipsburg) 24-5 won by decision over Roberto Macias (Hays ) 19-7 (Dec 14-9)</li><li>Cons. Round 2 - Roberto Macias (Hays ) 19-7 won by tech fall over Preston Hittle (Ulysses) 20-11 (TF-1.5 3:14 (17-1))</li><li>Cons. Round 3 - Aaron Samson (Trego Community ) 15-9 won by fall over Roberto Macias (Hays ) 19-7 (Fall 2:23)</li><li>7th Place Match - Roberto Macias (Hays ) 19-7 won by decision over Eli Koster (Kapaun) 22-14 (Dec 11-4)</li>
 </ul><h2>157</h2>Camdyn Copper (0-4) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Cayden Newton (Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail HS) 11-13 won by fall over Camdyn Copper (Hays ) 0-4 (Fall 3:46)</li><li>Cons. Round 1 - Camdyn Copper (Hays ) 0-4 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Cons. Round 2 - Britton Cline (Goddard-Eisenhower) 8-10 won by tech fall over Camdyn Copper (Hays ) 0-4 (TF-1.5 4:56 (20-5))</li>
 </ul><h2>165</h2>Brian Prough (8-13) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Luke Kerns (Buhler) 25-7 won by fall over Brian Prough (Hays ) 8-13 (Fall 1:01)</li><li>Cons. Round 1 - Brian Prough (Hays ) 8-13 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Cons. Round 2 - Cass Smith (Trego Community ) 23-9 won by fall over Brian Prough (Hays ) 8-13 (Fall 0:35)</li>
 </ul><h2>175</h2>Dalton Meyers (18-2) placed 3rd and scored 18.0 team points.<ul>
 <li>Quarterfinal - Dalton Meyers (Hays ) 18-2 won by fall over Von Grubbs (Hugoton) 12-7 (Fall 0:48)</li><li>Semifinal - Max Evans-Pryor (Manhattan) 32-6 won by decision over Dalton Meyers (Hays ) 18-2 (Dec 3-2)</li><li>Cons. Semi - Dalton Meyers (Hays ) 18-2 won by fall over Jacob Burklow (Buhler) 19-8 (Fall 4:56)</li><li>3rd Place Match - Dalton Meyers (Hays ) 18-2 won by fall over Micah Galvan (Ellsworth) 16-5 (Fall 3:25)</li>
 </ul><h2>190</h2>Jonathan Rigler (20-5) placed 2nd and scored 23.5 team points.<ul>
 <li>Champ. Round 1 - Jonathan Rigler (Hays ) 20-5 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Quarterfinal - Jonathan Rigler (Hays ) 20-5 won by fall over Kaiden Bliss (Trego Community ) 14-5 (Fall 2:26)</li><li>Semifinal - Jonathan Rigler (Hays ) 20-5 won by tech fall over Ben Uher (Manhattan) 20-12 (TF-1.5 4:00 (19-3))</li><li>1st Place Match - Logan Franz (Goodland) 25-1 won by fall over Jonathan Rigler (Hays ) 20-5 (Fall 3:05)</li>
 </ul><h2>285</h2>Tanner Geist (13-5) placed 3rd and scored 10.0 team points.<ul>
 <li>Quarterfinal - Tanner Geist (Hays ) 13-5 received a bye () (Bye)</li><li>Semifinal - Jaden Boyle (Phillipsburg) 20-8 won by fall over Tanner Geist (Hays ) 13-5 (Fall 2:31)</li><li>Cons. Semi - Tanner Geist (Hays ) 13-5 won by decision over Josue Bustamonte (Great Bend) 10-8 (Dec 4-1)</li><li>3rd Place Match - Tanner Geist (Hays ) 13-5 won in sudden victory - 1 over Alex Strother (Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail HS) 17-10 (SV-1 5-2)</li>
 </ul>