The Fort Hays State men's basketball team has a rich history of competing at the highest level in the NCAA Division II. As a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), the team has consistently demonstrated its strength and resilience on the court.
Team History and Achievements
The Fort Hays State men's basketball team was established in 1902, and since then, it has become a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division II. The team has won several conference championships, including five MIAA regular-season titles and two MIAA tournament championships.
One of the most notable achievements of the team was its appearance in the 2017 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship game, where it finished as the runner-up. This marked the first time in program history that the team had reached the national championship game.
Coaching Staff
The Fort Hays State men's basketball team is led by a experienced coaching staff, headed by head coach Mark Johnson. Coach Johnson has been at the helm of the program since 2007 and has led the team to several conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
Under Coach Johnson's guidance, the team has developed a strong reputation for its defensive prowess and its ability to compete with the best teams in the country.
Player Profiles
The Fort Hays State men's basketball team has a talented roster of players, each with their own unique skills and strengths. Some of the notable players on the team include:
- Guard: The team's backcourt is led by a talented group of guards, including seniors and juniors who have started for the team since their freshman year.
- Forward: The team's frontcourt is anchored by a pair of skilled forwards, who provide a strong presence in the paint and on the glass.
- Center: The team's center position is occupied by a dominant big man, who provides a strong defensive presence and a threat on the glass.
Notable Alumni
The Fort Hays State men's basketball team has a strong tradition of producing talented players who go on to succeed at the next level. Some of the notable alumni of the program include:
- Player Name: A dominant center who played for the team from 2010-2014 and went on to play professionally overseas.
- Player Name: A skilled guard who played for the team from 2012-2016 and went on to play in the NBA G-League.
Facilities and Campus
The Fort Hays State men's basketball team plays its home games at Gross Memorial Coliseum, a state-of-the-art facility that seats over 7,000 fans. The coliseum is located on the campus of Fort Hays State University, which is situated in Hays, Kansas.
The campus is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and scenic vistas, providing a beautiful backdrop for the team's games and practices.
Campus Life
Fort Hays State University offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, providing students with a well-rounded college experience. The campus is home to a diverse student body, with a strong sense of community and school spirit.
The team's players are actively involved in campus life, participating in community service projects and outreach programs throughout the year.
Game Day Experience
The Fort Hays State men's basketball team's game day experience is electric, with a lively atmosphere that is second to none. The team's fans, known as the "Tiger Nation," are some of the most dedicated and passionate in the country.
The coliseum is filled with a sea of orange and black, the team's colors, as the fans cheer on their team with chants and cheers.
Traditions and Rivalries
The Fort Hays State men's basketball team has a rich tradition of rivalries, including its longtime rivalry with Emporia State University. The two teams have been competing against each other for over 100 years, with the rivalry being one of the fiercest in the MIAA.
The team also has a strong tradition of pre-game and halftime festivities, including the introduction of the starting lineup and the playing of the national anthem.
What is the Fort Hays State men's basketball team's record in the MIAA?
+The Fort Hays State men's basketball team has a strong record in the MIAA, with a winning percentage of over.500 in conference play.
Who is the head coach of the Fort Hays State men's basketball team?
+The head coach of the Fort Hays State men's basketball team is Mark Johnson.
What is the name of the Fort Hays State men's basketball team's home arena?
+The Fort Hays State men's basketball team plays its home games at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
We hope you've enjoyed this in-depth look at the Fort Hays State men's basketball team. From its rich history and traditions to its talented players and coaching staff, the team is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division II. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, the Fort Hays State men's basketball team is sure to provide an exciting and entertaining experience.