Fort Hays State Varsity Athletics: Programs and Achievements
Fort Hays State maintains a robust athletic tradition, offering a diverse range of intercollegiate varsity sports. With a commitment to excellence across both men's and women's programs, the university fosters a competitive environment that has led to numerous regional and national accolades.
Key Facts
- 18 varsity sports are offered in total across men's and women's programs.
- The men's basketball team achieved a perfect 34–0 record during their 1996 NCAA Division II championship season.
- The football program dates back to 1902.
- Fort Hays State secured its first MIAA conference championship in football in 2017.
Overview of Varsity Sports
The university provides a comprehensive selection of sports to ensure a wide array of athletic opportunities for its students. These programs compete at the intercollegiate level, balancing rigorous competition with academic pursuit.
| Men's Sports | Women's Sports |
|---|---|
| Baseball | Basketball |
| Basketball | Cross Country |
| Cross Country | Golf |
| Football | Soccer |
| Golf | Softball |
| Soccer | Tennis |
| Track & Field (Indoor/Outdoor) | Track & Field (Indoor/Outdoor) |
| Wrestling | Volleyball |
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Basketball Excellence
The basketball programs at Fort Hays State have a storied history of success, claiming multiple national titles across different governing bodies, including the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).
Men's Basketball
The men's team is distinguished by its championship pedigree, winning back-to-back NAIA national titles in 1984 and 1985. They reached a pinnacle of success in 1996, capturing the NCAA Division II national championship with an undefeated 34–0 record. More recently, the program demonstrated its strength in 2020 by defeating Division I opponent Kansas State with a score of 81–68.
Women's Basketball
The women's program also boasts national success, having secured an NAIA national title in 1991. The team is currently led by coach Talia Kahrs.
Football History and Milestones
Football at Fort Hays State is a long-standing tradition that began in 1902. While the sport was played for over a decade before a formal coaching position was established, the program has since been led by several notable figures.
In 1913, Ira Van Cleave became the first assigned coach, leading the team to a 4–2 record. The program's history includes leadership from Wayne J. McConnell, Jim Gilstrap, James J. Yeager, and Andrew Frank Schoeppel, who also served as the Governor of Kansas. Since 2011, the team has been coached by Chris Brown.
A landmark moment occurred on November 4, 2017, when Fort Hays State won its first MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) conference championship. This achievement was sealed with a 13–12 victory over Northwest Missouri State University, marking the team's 10th win of the season without a single loss at that point in the regular season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many varsity sports does Fort Hays State offer?
Fort Hays State competes in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports divided between men's and women's programs.
Which national titles has the men's basketball team won?
The men's basketball team won NAIA national championships in 1984 and 1985, and an NCAA Division II national championship in 1996.
When did the football program start at Fort Hays State?
The football program began in 1902, though the first official coach was not assigned until 1913.
Who is the current coach of the women's basketball team?
The women's basketball team is currently coached by Talia Kahrs.
When did the football team win its first MIAA conference championship?
The football team captured its first MIAA conference championship on November 4, 2017, after defeating Northwest Missouri State University 13–12.