INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For the second straight year, Fort Hays State ranks second in NCAA Division II women’s basketball attendance. The Tigers averaged 2,222 fans per game, down slightly from a year ago.

2017 NCAA Women’s Basketball Attendance

Overall, 33,333 attended the Tigers 15 homes games in 2016-17.

The MIAA led the nation in attendance averaging 1,095 per game and had five schools in the top-10. Emporia State was fourth (1,866), Washburn was sixth (1,468), Pittsburg State seventh (1,464) and Nebraska-Kearney ninth (1,413).

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For the second straight year, Fort Hays State finished in the top-five in men’s basketball attendance. The Tigers were fourth in the average attendance in NCAA Division II basketball in numbers released Tuesday by the NCAA.

2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Attendance

Fort Hays State led the MIAA with an average attendance of 2,557 per game  in 2016-17 up from 2,471 the year before. Overall, 38,633 attended the Tigers 15 homes games in 2016-17.

The MIAA led the nation in attendance averaging 1,307 per game and had four in the top-10. Washburn was sixth (1,965), Nebraska-Kearney seventh (1,922) and Central Missouri eighth (1,851). Missouri Southern finished 16th (1,487), Northwest Missouri State 20th (1,368), Emporia State 22nd (1,374), Pittsburg State 24th (1,311) and Missouri Western State 29th (1,229).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team was slotted sixth in the 2017 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Tuesday (August 8) by the league office. The Tigers received 62 points in the poll, voted on by the 12 coaches in the league. Coaches do not list their own school on their ballot.

The Tigers are coming off their best finish in the MIAA last season, tying for fourth in the regular season standings. FHSU posted a 25-9 record in 2016, tied for the second-most wins since joining the NCAA Division II in 1992.

This year’s team will look to replace several key pieces from a year ago, with four All-MIAA performers and one All-American graduating. To go along with the 11 returning letter winners and two redshirts, head coach Kurt Kohler has added a talented group of 15 newcomers who will have the chance to contribute right away.

Among the returners are Callie Christensen, the league leader in blocks and a second team All-MIAA performer last season, Sydney Dixon, who accumulated 173 kills last season after earning All-MIAA honors as a freshman in 2015, and Kailey Klibbe, FHSU’s libero for much of the season last year.

The Tigers open the season with a trip to Sioux Falls, S.D. for the Country Inn & Suites Invitational September 1-2. FHSU’s first match of the year is against Arkansas-Fort Smith, who has made appearances in three-straight NCAA tournaments.

After losing just one conference match a year ago and sweeping the regular season and postseason MIAA titles, Nebraska-Kearney was picked first in the poll, receiving 10 of the 11 possible first place votes. Just seven points separate the next three teams, with Central Oklahoma slotted second with one first place vote and 105 points. Washburn is ranked third with the final first place vote and 101 points, followed closely by Central Missouri in fourth with 98 points. Northwest Missouri is just in front of Fort Hays State, ranking fifth with 77 points.

2017 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Nebraska-Kearney (10) – 120
2. Central Oklahoma (1) – 105
3. Washburn (1) – 101
4. Central Missouri – 98
5. Northwest Missouri – 77
6. Fort Hays State – 62
7. Missouri Western – 57
8. Emporia State – 55
9. Lindenwood – 49
10. Pittsburg State – 35
11. Missouri Southern – 18
12. Southwest Baptist – 15

FHSU Sports Information

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State football team held their first practice of the 2017 preseason camp Monday afternoon on a relatively cool day at Lewis Field Stadium. Close to 120 players were suited up for the first practice. The Tigers, who are picked fifth by both the MIAA coaches and media in the preseason poll, open their season August 31 at Missouri Southern State.

Chris Brown address the media following the Tigers first practice

Quarterback Jacob Mezera

Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On the heels of the best season in program history, Fort Hays State Women’s Soccer will open the 2017 season ranked No. 14 in the nation. The preseason edition of the United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) NCAA Division II Poll features two MIAA schools in the Top 25 as FHSU joins No. 5 Central Missouri. FHSU and UCM shared the MIAA Regular Season Title last year.

This is the first appearance for the FHSU women’s program in the preseason poll. FHSU jumped into the top 25 nationally for the first time last year on September 13, debuting No. 16 in the poll at that time. Eventually, the Tigers finished at No. 14 in the nation

Fort Hays State finished the 2016 campaign at 15-5-3, setting a new school record for wins in a season and advancing to the NCAA Central Regional Final (Round of 16). The Tigers were knocked out of the tournament by conference co-champ Central Missouri, but advanced past Harding and Minnesota State-Mankato for their deepest NCAA Tournament run in program history.

The Tigers enter their first year under head coach Blake Reynolds after Craig Shaw led the program for its first six years of existence. Reynolds was a head coach at NAIA affiliates Midland University (Neb.) and Kansas Wesleyan University before taking the head role at FHSU. He compiled an overall mark of 102-42-19, spending four years at each of the previous two schools.

Eden Stoddard is the top returning goal scorer on the team after putting seven in the back of the net last year to earn All-MIAA status. She also led the team in game-winning goals. Bailey Schmitz looks to give the Tigers solid defensive presence again after All-MIAA and all-region honors a year ago. She helped the team to a new school record 12 shutouts last season, so the Tigers may look to defense once again as a strong point. FHSU ranked 19th nationally in goals against average last year (0.62). Taryn Schnell and Jasmine Beaulieu were also All-MIAA selections that helped anchor the midfield and defense, who give FHSU a total of four all-conference selections from last year returning in 2017.

Below is the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Preseason Poll.

Rank School Prev. W-L-T
1 Western Washington University 1 24-0-1
2 Grand Valley State University 2 23-2-1
3 Columbus State University 3 21-3-0
4 Kutztown University 4 20-5-0
5 University of Central Missouri 5 21-2-0
6 Colorado School Of Mines 6 20-3-1
7 University Of Bridgeport 7 18-4-0
8 University Of West Florida 8 19-5-0
9 West Chester University 9 19-1-1
10 University of California-San Diego 10 19-3-0
11 Truman State University 11 15-2-4
12 Adelphi University 12 16-4-1
13 University of North Georgia 13 15-3-3
14 Fort Hays State University 14 15-5-3
15 Texas A&M University-Commerce 15 15-6-1
16 Barry University 16 11-4-2
17 Saint Leo University 17 13-4-1
18 LIU Post 18 15-4-2
19 Minnesota State University-Mankato 19 16-3-3
20 East Stroudsburg University 20 16-5-2
21 Limestone College 22 18-2-0
22 Sonoma State University 23 12-3-3
23 St. Edward’s University 24 15-1-3
24 University Of Charleston 25 15-4-0
25 Carson-Newman University RV 17-4-1
Also receiving votes: Rockhurst University, University of Central Oklahoma, Azusa Pacific University, Central Washington University, Nova Southeastern University, Midwestern State University, Colorado State University-Pueblo, McKendree University, Minot State University, Rollins College, University of Missouri-St. Louis.

FHSU Sports Information

FHSU Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State was tabbed fifth in both the MIAA Preseason Coaches and Media Polls on Tuesday (Aug. 1), released during the annual MIAA Football Media Day. Once again, the event was held Children’s Mercy Park, home of Sporting Kansas City and the Division II National Championship Football Game.

Fort Hays State finished in a three-way tie for fourth in the MIAA standings last year alongside Pittsburg State and Washburn, so both the Coaches and Media Polls reflect the final standings from the regular season last year. However, Pittsburg State was the only of school of the three that did not participate in a postseason game last year.

Fort Hays State won the Heart of Texas Bowl, 45-12, over Eastern New Mexico for the program’s first-ever postseason game win, while Washburn fell in the Mineral Water Bowl to Bemidji State 36-23. Fort Hays State has now enjoyed an 8-4 record each of the past two seasons, making bowl appearances both years and tying the program record for wins in a season. The Tigers continue to eye their first trip back to the NCAA Playoffs since the 1995 season on the cusp for two straight years, but may need a record-setting season of wins to do so in the perennially tough MIAA.

Quarterback Jacob Mezera, Bandit back Doyin Jibowu and Coach Chris Brown

Offensively, the Tigers return starting quarterback Jacob Mezera who enters his junior season. Mezera threw for 2,541 yards and 19 touchdowns last year, while breaking the school record for completion percentage with a 63 percent success rate. Senior Kenneth Iheme returns to the backfield, finishing last year with 526 yards on the ground and 176 yards receiving. Sophomore Charles Tigner also poses a strong threat with the ball in his hands after 453 receiving and 178 rushing yards in 2016. Layne Bieberle emerged as a strong deep threat through the air last year, finishing with a team-best 506 receiving yards. Mezera, Iheme, and Bieberle gained All-MIAA honors last year.

The Tigers were sound defensively last year, ranking second in the MIAA in points allowed per game (21.3) and total yards allowed per game (363.6). Only national champion Northwest Missouri State was better in both categories. Leading the defensive side of the ball are All-MIAA selections Nathan Shepherd and Jose Delgado. Shepherd was also tabbed with All-America honors by one organization and has been a presence on the interior of the defensive line for two years. He finished 2016 with 61 tackles, including 9.5 for loss, and three sacks. Delgado is the top returning tackler patrolling at linebacker, finishing with 114 tackles, including 8.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Doyin Jibowu is also a steadying presence at the bandit position, averaging nearly 80 tackles per season in his first two years on the field while starting all 24 contests in that span. Jibowu earned an All-MIAA nod his redshirt-freshman season.

Both the Coaches and Media Polls were consistent in the first six teams referenced in the poll. Two-time defending national champion Northwest Missouri State was picked No. 1 in both polls for the fifth consecutive year. In 2013, that run started when the Bearcats shared the No. 1 pick in the Coaches Poll with Missouri Western and held received the No. 1 pick in the Media Poll. Pittsburg State was the last to be picked alone in the No. 1 spot before the current five-year run by NWMSU, receiving that distinction in both polls in 2012. Northwest Missouri State, Emporia State, and Central Missouri all made the NCAA Playoffs last year. Emporia State’s two losses last year were to Northwest Missouri State (regular season and playoffs).

Fort Hays State opens up the 2017 season on Thursday, August 31 at Missouri Southern in Joplin. The first home game of the year is slated for Thursday, September 7 against Central Missouri.

Below are the 2017 MIAA Preseason Polls.

Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (9) 118
2. Emporia State (2) 108
3. Central Missouri (1) 106
4. Pittsburg State 88
5. Fort Hays State 83
6. Washburn 71
7. Missouri Western 58
8. Central Oklahoma 51
9. Lindenwood 37
10. Northeastern State 31
11. Missouri Southern 24
12. Nebraska-Kearney 17

Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (36) 464
2. Emporia State (3) 421
3. Central Missouri 383
4. Pittsburg State 347
5. Fort Hays State 316
6. Washburn 262
7. Central Oklahoma 227
8. Missouri Western 215
9. Lindenwood 145
10. Missouri Southern 108
11. Northeastern State 102
12. Nebraska-Kearney 52

FHSU Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The annual MIAA Football Media Day will be available live on the MIAA Network, Tuesday (Aug. 1). The MIAA will utilize multiple platforms to provide free live coverage of 2017 Football Media Day, taking place at Children’s Mercy Park (home of Sporting Kansas City and the Division II Football National Championship Game).

All twelve MIAA football head coaches and two student-athletes from each school will be in attendance along with media from Kansas City and throughout the conference footprint.

Live coverage of the press conferences will begin on The MIAA Network at 9 a.m. with opening comments from MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy, including the release of the preseason coaches and media polls. The MIAA Network app is also available on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku. “One exciting feature of the new MIAA Network is that our fans will be able to watch all of the action on their smart TV’s,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. “The new Network is so much more than an internet broadcast for your laptop. Through the four OTT apps, we now have a digital sports network that allows our fans to watch when, where and how they want.” As in the past, the MIAA Network is also available via your computer or mobile device. The complete schedule of appearances and times for each school are listed below.

In addition, the event will be on Facebook Live featuring interviews with student-athletes from each school immediately following the appearance at their respective press conferences.

Photos will be posted throughout the event on the new MIAA Instagram account, @TheMIAANation.

Also, for the first time, fans and the media have the opportunity to submit questions via Twitter (@TheMIAA) using the hashtag, #askMIAAMediaDay. Selected questions will be included in both the press conference and the Facebook Live broadcasts.

2017 Football Media Day Schedule

9 a.m. Mike Racy (MIAA Commissioner)

9:15 a.m. Supervisor of Officials Phil Laurie

9:30 a.m. Washburn Coach Craig Schurig, senior offensive lineman Bob Marco and senior inebacker Austin Tillman

9:45 a.m. Pittsburg State Coach Tim Beck, junior quarterback John Roderique and junior linebacker Demetrius Bernard.

10 a.m. Missouri Western Coach Matt Williamson, senior quarterback Skyler Windmiller and senior defensive back Donte Watkins

10:15 a.m. Missouri Southern Coach Denver Johnson, sophomore wide receiver Carson Day and junior defensive lineman Trevor Plafcan

10:30 a.m. Central Missouri Coach Jim Svoboda, senior wide receiver Jaylen Zachery and senior defensive lineman Connor Flagel

10:45 a.m. Lindenwood Coach Jed Stugart, junior running back Calen Campbell and senior defensive end Jonathan Harris

11 a.m. Northeastern State Coach Rob Robinson, senior wide receiver Zac King and senior linebacker La’More Wise

11:15 a.m. Nebraska-Kearney Coach Josh Lynn, sophomore quarterback Steve Worthing and senior defensive lineman Sam Stoltenberg

11:30 a.m., Fort Hays State Coach Chris Brown, junior quarterback Jacob Mezera and junior defensive back Doyin Jibowu

11:45 a.m. Central Oklahoma Coach Nick Bobeck, senior quarterback Chas Stallard and junior defensive lineman Carson Smith

12 p.m. Emporia State Coach Garin Higgins, sophomore quarterback Braxton Marstall and junior defensive back Marcus Houghton

12:15 p.m. Northwest Missouri Coach Rich Wright, senior running back Jordan Grove and senior safety Edward Richey