By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays Community Theatre will stage the ABBA hit musical "Mamma Mia!" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University Campus.

"Mamma Mia!" is a jukebox sensation based on a book by Catherine Johnson and music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from the band ABBA, said Director Pamela Grizzell.

"If you were a kid in the '70s, the place to go was Stardust Skate Center, and the tunes playing through the air were ABBA. It really touches a generation. They have taken all of the ABBA songs and created a sensational playlist that makes you want to sing along, dance along," she said.

The musical premiered at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End in 1999.

The film adaptation was released in summer 2008 and starred Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan.

The story opens as friends and family are gathering for the wedding of young Sophie Sheridan. 

Sophie has never met her father and invites several men who had relationships with her mother, Donna, in an attempt to determine which one is her dad.

Her mother doesn't know of Sophie's plan, and it has been a long time since she has seen any of the men from her past.

Bill Gasper, assistant director, said the musical offers a little romance and surprise, and in the end, Donna reunites with her love.

"It's the theme of family, freindship and coming of age and discovering who you really are," Grizzell said.

The cast comprises 33 actors, with Rebecca Cole playing Sophie, the daughter, and Anita Walters playing Donna, the mother.

"We have a lot of senior actors in Hays who don't always have those opportunities to shine," Grizzell said, "and this is like the golden ticket for them. It provides a venue, an outlet for them to show off their craft."

Grizzell said the cast includes actors of all ages, and that is the meaning of community theater.

"I have to give it to the board, who chose this show," she said. "Not only is it something that the audience is going to love, but it also really reflects all the actors' abilities in our community, and it lets everybody get involved."

Gasper said he wanted to echo the praise of the cast.

"This show has a lot of choreography, more than most shows do. ... They have really held together and done a great job on that. Our principal actors are excellent," he said. "They sing well. Our ensemble, I think, sounds phenomenal when they are singing together.&nbsp;

"It is overall a very, very good dynamic show. I have been involved in a lot of productions, and this is really top-notch."

Grizzell said the actors in this production have a lot of insight.&nbsp;

"Because some of them are a little older, they bring life experiences with them," she said. "Monte Smith is the one who comes to mind. He has been with the community theater for a long time and even directed at the high school for a few years. 

"He brings a wealth of knowledge and instinct on where he needs to be and what he needs to do and how he can draw that extra emotion out."

She said several actors in the show have the ability to bring the show to life.

Gasper taught at Hays High School and directed many shows there, but he said he has been a bit overwhelmed by the move from the community theatre venue downtown to the performing arts center.&nbsp;

The crew began teardown on Sunday and has less than a week to fine-tune the sets, audio and lights.

Tickets must be purchased through <a href="https://www.hctks.com/">HCTKS.com</a>&nbsp;or at the door and are $15 each.&nbsp;

Do not Google Hays Community Theatre. A scammer is using the theater's name to sell fake tickets online through an "etix" website, Grizzell said.

The show's music director is Amy Staab, and the director of choreography is Nathan Leiker

Cast list Sophie Sheridan—Rebecca Cole&nbsp; Ali—McKynlee Stecklein&nbsp; Lisa—Allie Straub Donna Sheridan—Anita Walters Tanya Chesham-Leigh—Wendy Richmeier Rosie Mulligan—Dana Jo Stanton&nbsp; Sam Carmichael—Travis Grizzell Harry Bright—Andy Stanton Bill Austin—Monte Smith Sky—Nathan Stecklein Pepper—Arron Hardin Eddie—Nathan Leiker Father—Alexandrios	Everett Robert Young Sophie—Victoria Heimann Ensemble (Local residents)—Mia Baltodano, Sadie Campbell, EJ Fenwick, Lydia Funk, Allison Goertzen, Morgan Greenwood (waitress), Zachary Leiker, Rowan Neeley, Bryler Russell, Madicyn Urban, Olivia Werth&nbsp;

Ensemble (Tourists)	Adam Conkey, Nicole Feyerherm,&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeanne Geist, Lilly Kimberlein, Adrian Normandin,&nbsp; Everett Robert, Holly Trullinger, Katie Vaughn&nbsp;

Hays Community Theatre to present ABBA hit musical 'Mamma Mia!'

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Ellis Police Department school supply drive underway

Hays area employers seeking to fill part-time positions or internships are invited to attend the Part-time Job Fair at Fort Hays State University on Thursday, August 28, from 2 to 4 p.m.

There is no cost to participate, but employers must register no later than August 21 by phone (785-628-4260) or email (careers@fhsu.edu). Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Businesses and organizations will have an opportunity to share information with students about part-time jobs or internships that are available.

The job fair will take place in the Fort Hays Ballroom of the Memorial Union. Registration includes a 6-foot table and two chairs. Participating employers are welcome to bring a table cover, visual displays, flyers, application forms, and/or promotional items.

Employers invited to participate in FHSU Part-Time Job Fair on Aug. 28

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the devastating flash flooding in central Texas, many are looking for ways to get and give help. And scammers are looking to prey on people’s generosity. So how can you make sure your donations go to the people who need them and not to a scammer?

To learn more about how to donate safely, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/charity">ftc.gov/charity</a>.

For advice to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from weather emergencies and the scams that follow, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/dealing-weather-emergencies">ftc.gov/weatheremergencies</a>.

FTC: Help the people affected by flooding in Texas — not a scammer

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ellisjrfreefair">Ellis Jr. Free Fair</a>

93rd annual Ellis Jr. Free Fair runs July 22-26 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “You’ve won!” are two words likely to get your attention – but sometimes it’s a scammer delivering the news. (Spoiler: you didn’t win anything.) Here’s how to spot and avoid prize scams.

These scams usually look something like this: You get a call or a text saying you’ve won thousands (or even millions) of dollars, a car, a fancy watch — or maybe all three! You don’t remember entering a contest, but free stuff sounds good. But if you reply, they’ll say you need to pay to get the prize — maybe for processing fees or taxes.

 No matter what they say, real sweepstakes have free prizes — any money you send is going to a scammer’s pocket…and, sorry, there is no prize.

Scammers often use names that sound like well-known sweepstakes or companies, like Publishers Clearing House (PCH) — to trick you into trusting them. Here are some things to know to avoid a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/fake-prize-sweepstakes-and-lottery-scams">prize scam</a>.

Spot a prize scam? Tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Don’t pay for a prize (scam)

HOXIE — As part of the Main Street Arts Council’s 10th anniversary celebrations, we are beyond excited to announce a special performance with Broadway performer, singer, and songwriter Desi Oakley.

Oakley is a versatile and accomplished Broadway performer, singer-songwriter, and voiceover artist based in New York City. Raised in Wichita, she began her theatrical journey at Music Theatre Wichita, taking on roles such as Eponine in Les Misérables and Ariel in The Little Mermaid. She continued her studies at the University of Michigan, earning a BFA in Musical Theatre.

Oakley's Broadway credits include Wicked, where she served as a swing and understudied Elphaba and Nessarose; the 2012 revival of Annie, where she understudied Grace Farrell and Lily St. Regis; and the 2014 revival of Les Misérables, where she was an understudy for Fantine. She also performed in the National Tour of Evita as the alternate for Eva Perón.

In addition to her stage work, Oakley has co-starred on television in shows such as Gotham (FOX), The Gilded Age (HBO), and Only Murders in the Building (Hulu). She has also recorded voiceovers for national commercials and appeared in films like Dear Evan Hansen, Tick, Tick... Boom!, and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.

As a singer-songwriter, Oakley has released several albums, including Don't Look Back (2014), Repeat (2019), and A Pocket of Time (2020), with proceeds from the latter benefiting the Dramatists Guild Foundation. She is also passionate about mentoring young artists and co-founded the Pop Rock Broadway program in 2019 to provide training and support to aspiring performers.

The public is invited to see Oakley perform in a free concert on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hoxie High School Auditorium, 1625 Queen Avenue. This concert will be a memorable evening for all to enjoy, and we encourage everyone to attend.

The concert is free, however, ticket reservations are required and can be made online at <a href="https://www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/events">www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/events</a>. Free-will donations will be accepted.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see Desi Oakley live in performance!

Main Street Arts Council celebrates 10th year with special Broadway guest artist

The Eagle Media Center in Hays will be hosting marketing workshops on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. 

 The workshops will be at the Eagle Media Center at 2300 Hall Street in Hays. 

 To book a time to attend or for more information, please call Scarlett at 785-301-2211.

Eagle Media marketing workshops set for Aug. 27

HOXIE – The Main Street Arts Council (MSAC) invites the public to join them this weekend as they continue their production schedule of the annual Main Street Summer Theater Festival with performances in Colby.

“Local youth from across northwest Kansas have been hard at work rehearsing for their performances of Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr., and we invite you to join us in celebrating their incredible talent!” said MSAC Executive Director Karl Pratt.

This year’s festival features the same production, Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr., performed by young actors from six different communities, each bringing its own interpretation to the musical revue. The show, which includes songs from Encanto, Coco, Frozen, and more, celebrates dreams, teamwork, and creativity.

Colby: Friday, July 18 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 19 at 3 p.m., Heartland Christian School, 1995 W 4th St., Colby.

Quinter: Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 26 at 3 p.m., Quinter Elementary School, 601 Gove St., Quinter.

Oakley: Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 9 at 3 p.m., Oakley High School Auditorium, 118 W 7th St., Oakley.

“Each performance is an opportunity to support our talented youth performers who have poured their hearts into bringing this magical show to life. We invite everyone to attend and help us celebrate the creativity and passion that defines our community,” noted Pratt.

For more information about the festival, including additional performance details, tickets, and ways to support the event, visit <a href="https://www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/msstf2025">www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/msstf2025</a> or contact mainstreetartscouncil@gmail.com.

Learn more at <a href="https://www.mainstreetartscouncil.com/">www.mainstreetartscouncil.com</a>.

Main Street Summer Theater Festival continues with performances in Colby, Quinter, Oakley

The Hays Public Library will host a program about the creation of eight Catholic parishes in Ellis and Rush Counties in the late 1800s. Father Reggie Urban will give the presentation on Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m.

In 1876, Father Valentine Sommereisen, a German-speaking priest from France, arrived in Hays just as waves of Volga-German immigrants were settling in the region. In only 19 months, he founded eight Catholic parishes within a half-hour of Hays, spanning Ellis and Rush counties. Join us as we explore his remarkable legacy, the growth of these early faith communities, and the enduring cultural impact of the Volga-German settlers in western Kansas.

Father Urban is a semi-retired priest of the Dodge City Diocese living in Hays. Both sides of his Volga-German ancestry settled in the Pfeifer area. Since living in Hays, he has learned some interesting things about the Catholic priest from France who founded parishes in Hays, Catherine, Victoria, Pfeifer, Liebenthal, Rush Center, Munjor, and Schoenchen.

You can find out more about this and other library programs at <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">https://hayslibrary.org/&nbsp;</a>or by calling 785-625-9014.

Father Valentine, Eight Parishes presentation at Hays Public Library

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

KAYS Morning Blend Host Jeff Leiker chats with Jack Hues, lead singer for Wang Chung. The band will be performing in Dodge City on Friday.

🎙 Post Podcast: Wang Chung

WASHINGTON, D.C — Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, met with the Kansas FFA Association state officers, a group of six young leaders who represent almost 14,000 members across the state.

Among the visiting leaders was Kansas FFA State Secretary <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/986f6bc3-160b-40db-a858-b74d965e4b7d">Marisa Wasinger of Hays High School</a>.

Moran and the students discussed Moran's work in D.C. and the issues affecting Kansas agriculture and rural communities. The officers shared the impacts that FFA and agricultural education have had on them and how they can exercise leadership in their communities. 

The National FFA Association helps shape the next generation of leaders through the development of critical skills, and Moran said he will continue working to help our Kansas communities thrive for this and the next generation.

Hays FFA officer meets with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran

Washington –&nbsp;On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall announced the Trump Administration is fulfilling his request for disaster relief aid following multiple rounds of severe weather and tornadoes this past May. President Trump personally called Senator Marshall to share that he was allocating $6.7 million in public assistance for the affected communities.

“This past May, several of our communities experienced devastating EF3 tornadoes, causing widespread destruction. Entire towns were leveled and significant damage was sustained to Interstate 70, public infrastructure, and private property,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“I am very grateful to President Trump and his administration for quickly fulfilling our request to provide the much-needed assistance to our Kansas communities.”

The following Kansas counties will be eligible for public assistance:&nbsp;Bourbon, Cheyenne, Edwards, Gove, Kiowa, Logan, Pratt, Reno, Scott, Sheridan, and Stafford.

Senator Marshall led a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/6.25.25-Letter-in-Support-of-Kansas-Major-Disaster-Declaration-Request.pdf">letter</a>&nbsp;in June asking for this public assistance.

Kan. lawmakers secure $6.7M in disaster relief aid for storms in May

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

HAYS, Kan. — Local Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid is shining a spotlight on the importance of workers’ compensation coverage for area businesses, emphasizing that smart, tailored insurance solutions can help business owners better manage both cost and complexity.

As local businesses continue to navigate rising operational expenses, Proehl-Kofoid is reminding employers that Farmers Insurance offers a workers’ comp program designed with flexibility and simplicity in mind.

“Many business owners don’t realize how manageable work comp can be when it's set up properly,” said Proehl-Kofoid. “At Farmers, we help clients understand the ins and outs of their policy so they’re not left with surprises — just peace of mind.”

One standout feature she promotes is Real Time Billing, a service that aligns workers’ comp premiums with actual payroll. This pay-as-you-go option ensures that businesses aren’t overpaying or underpaying throughout the year. It also helps with cash flow and simplifies the audit process — something many business owners find stressful.

“Real Time Billing is a game changer,” Proehl-Kofoid added. “It allows businesses to stay accurate and up to date, which makes managing insurance that much easier.”

By working with Farmers Insurance, Hays-area businesses not only gain access to customizable coverage, but also benefit from local, responsive service that understands the unique needs of Kansas entrepreneurs.

For more information on workers’ compensation or to schedule a consultation, contact Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at her Farmers Insurance office, 2703 Hall in Hays.&nbsp; You can also visit the below website:

<a href="https://www.farmers.com/business/workers-compensation/">https://www.farmers.com/business/workers-compensation/</a>

2 Kansas men hospitalized after semi, pickup crash

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Wednesday, July 23
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Chicago Cubs, 12:30pm

Friday, July 25
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 6:30pm

Saturday, July 26
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 5:30pm

Sunday, July 27
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians, 12:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Shaw, Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly had RBIs.

Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. The left-hander retired the first eight Royals batters and didn't allow a hit until Nick Loftin led off the fifth with a line single.

Caleb Thielbar followed with a perfect eighth and Daniel Palencia worked around two singles in the ninth to complete a six-hitter.

Hill (0-1)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cubs-rich-hill-oldest-e09c2d43a7a83309e1cf9696c3e80d71">became the oldest active player in baseball</a>&nbsp;after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha. He allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings. The left-hander threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one.

It was the debut of Hill's 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record.

Hill and the Royals fell behind 2-0 in the second when the Royals committed two errors, botching potential double plays. Crow-Armstrong doubled in a run off Hill in the fifth.

The Cubs put the game away with three runs in the seventh off Jonathan Bowlan.

After Loftin singled in the fifth, the Royals loaded the bases with one out on Freddy Fermin’s bloop and John Rave’s bunt single. Swanson snared Kyle Isbel’s broken-bat liner at shortstop, then dived to tag out Fermin before he could get back to second for an inning-ending double play.

The Cubs stole six bases in the game, including four off Hill. That included a double-steal by Justin Turner and Shaw in the second, Chicago scored its final run with on double-steal with Kyle Tucker stealing home and Suzuzki second base in the seventh.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA) will face Cubs RHP Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80) on Wednesday.

⚾ Matthew Boyd sharp for 11th win, Cubs blank Royals and Rich Hill 

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Fort Hays State tennis team earned ITA All-Academic Team status for the ninth-straight year in 2024-25, announced on Tuesday (July 22). In addition, seven student-athletes from the team were named ITA Scholar-Athletes for the academic year.

Suzana Faucz, Bethan Gill, Hope Lubbers, Janae Montoya, Ines Steeman, Grace Unruh, and Shreethika Vangala all received Scholar-Athlete status after recording a GPA of at least 3.50 during the latest academic year. This is the fourth-straight season the Tigers had five or more student-athletes earn the award.

The Tigers have now been named an ITA All-Academic Team in nine-straight seasons and 18 times since 2004. Teams must accumulate a GPA of 3.20 or above to earn ITA All-Academic Team recognition.

Lubbers received the ITA Scholar-Athlete distinction for a fourth time, while Unruh and Steeman earned the honor for a second-straight year.

🎾 FHSU women earn ITA All-Academic team honor for 9th-straight year

ATLANTA - The 2024-25 Fort Hays State women's basketball team received special mention for its academic performance with the release of the WBCA NCAA Division II Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll, announced Tuesday by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

The squad completed the academic year with a team GPA of 3.685, finishing just outside the top 25 in the country. Eleven Tigers were listed on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll this year, with four taking home the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award and two receiving the MIAA Academic Excellence Award.

Katie Wagner DeGarmo was selected as the winner of the MIAA Ken B. Jones Award for a second year in a row, given to the top student-athlete across all conference sports on an annual basis. DeGarmo and Kate Dilsaver both earned the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for carrying a 4.00 GPA, while DeGarmo, Dilsaver, Olivia Hollenbeck and Brooke Loewe all received the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for earning All-MIAA honors and holding a GPA of 3.50 or better.

Megan Earney, Sasha Koenig, Avery Lowe, Maddy Powell, Callie Ott, Ellie Stearns and Bailey Wilborn were also listed on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll, while DeGarmo, Dilsaver, Hollenbeck and Loewe were all named to the CSC Academic All-District team. DeGarmo went on to earn second team Academic All-America honors.

The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA and two-year college women's basketball teams across the nation that carry the highest combined GPAs inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The 2024-25 season is the 30th in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls.

2024-25 WBCA NCAA Division II Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll Rank - Institution - Head Coach - GPA 1 - St. Cloud State - Lori Fish - 3.892 2 - Winona State - Ana Wurtz - 3.887 3 - Texas Woman's - Beth Jillson - 3.881 4 - Malone - Selana Ickes - 3.874 5 - Tiffin - Josh Mason - 3.864 6 - Lubbock Christian - Steve Gomez - 3.823 7 - Ferris State - Kurt Westendorp - 3.820 8 - Northwestern Okla. St. - Tasha Diesselhorst - 3.813 9 - Chaminade - Michael Edwards - 3.805 10 - Ashland - Kari Pickens - 3.795 11 - Missouri Western - Ashton Feldhaus - 3.788 12 - UVA Wise - Jamie Cluesman - 3.763 13 - CSU East Bay - Jenny Thigpin - 3.760 14 - Montana State Billings - Kevin Woodin - 3.757 15 - Upper Iowa - Justin Maass - 3.750 16 - Missouri S&amp;T - Kira Carter - 3.736 17 - Point Loma Nazarene - Charity Elliott - 3.728 18 - Dominican (CA) - Tim LaKose - 3.726 19 - West Liberty - Kyle Cooper - 3.715 20 - Southern New Hampshire - Karen Pinkos - 3.713 21 - Maryville - Brita Hand - 3.709 22 - Sioux Falls - Travis Traphagen - 3.703 23 - Goldey-Beacom - Bethann Burke - 3.702 T24 - Truman State - Theo Dean - 3.695 T24 - Northwest Missouri State - Austin Meyer - 3.695

Special Mention: Central Missouri, David Slifer, 3.689; Fairmont State, Stephanie Anderson, 3.687; Fort Hays State, Talia Kahrs, 3.685; McKendree, Kari Kerkhoff, 3.676; Kutztown, Janet Malouf, 3.668; D'Youville, Kelly Broderick, 3.660; Rockhurst, Larry Park, 3.655; Kentucky State, Amani Williams, 3.651; Southwest Minnesota State, Tom Webb, 3.649; Pittsburg State, Amanda Davied, 3.647; Lee, Marty Rowe, 3.642; Minnesota State Moorhead, Karla Nelson, 3.634; Caldwell, Christie Conforti, 3.633; Cal State San Marcos, Jana Pearson, 3.628; Chestnut Hill, Megan Fox, 3.626; Wayne State, Carrie Lohr, 3.604; Michigan Tech, Samantha Clayton, 3.589; Pace, Carrie Seymour, 3.587; Davenport, Shonda Sanders, 3.574; Northern Michigan, Casey Thousand, 3.566; Findlay, Michele Durand, 3.558; Menlo, Shannon Spataro, 3.557; Bentley, C White, 3.550; Cal Poly Pomona, Danelle Bishop, 3.542; UW-Parkside, Jen Conely, 3.541; Florida Tech, John Reynolds, 3.536; Assumption, Kerry Phayre, 3.524; Daemen, Jenepher Banker, 3.498; Carson-Newman, Michael Mincey, 3.493; Seattle Pacific, Karen Byers, 3.465; Newman, Amy Briggs, 3.462; West Chester, Kiera Wooden, 3.438; West Florida, Stephanie Yelton, 3.432; Minnesota State Mankato, Emilee Thiesse, 3.431; Barry, Heather Macy, 3.430; Shorter, Lasheena Brooks, 3.425; Southern Arkansas, Darrick Matthews, 3.417; Bridgeport, Jimmy Howard, 3.407; Wingate, Ann Hancock, 3.377; UNC Pembroke, Dr. Kendra Samuels-Eaton, 3.372; Hillsdale, Brianna Brennan, 3.372; Union, Mark Campbell, 3.338; Cal State Monterey Bay, Sarah Hopkins-Chery, 3.316; Tusculum, Roger Hodge, 3.283; Academy of Art, Jesse Clark, 3.278; Anderson, Jonathon Barbaree, 3.268; Emory &amp; Henry, Jaclyn Dickens, 3.249; Cal State San Bernardino, Casandra Renno, 3.249; Augusta, Celeste Stewart, 3.172

🏀 FHSU women receive special mention in WBCA academic honors

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Andy Reid stood before his players before the start of training camp this week, just as the longtime Kansas City Chiefs coach does every year, and impressed upon the reigning AFC champions the importance of urgency.

Patrick Mahomes saw no such need to deliver a message.

Not with the way last season ended with a lopsided loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl.

“I think enough was spoken after that game,” the two-time MVP quarterback said. “But I think when you go back to OTAs and back to minicamp and stuff like that, the guys had that mindset. You could tell by the pep in their step and just in the little talks that guys have throughout the team. I don't think anything really needs to be said when you get beat like that.

“Everybody knows,” Mahomes said, “that we've got to be better.”

That underscores the level of expectations in Kansas City these days.

The Chiefs still finished 15-2, tied with the Lions for the best record in the NFL, and won their ninth consecutive AFC West title by four games over the second-place Chargers. With the benefit of home-field advantage, the Chiefs rolled past Houston and narrowly beat Buffalo in the playoffs to reach the Super Bowl with a chance for an historic three-peat.

Yet the game in New Orleans last February seemed over before it even began.

Philadelphia led 7-0 after the first quarter, scored two more touchdowns in the second and took a 24-0 lead into the break, and then cruised through the second half to a 40-22 victory. It offered the Eagles some modicum of revenge after a loss to Mahomes and Co. in the big game two years earlier, and it left the Chiefs feeling wounded for the first time in years.

“Obviously we didn't play the way we wanted to play on a national stage. A worldwide stage,” said Mahomes, who was sacked six times by the Eagles and threw two interceptions in the game. “You want to go out there and be better.”

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach spent the offseason trying to fix many of their ills.

He signed 49ers offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and drafted Josh Simmons in the first round to address a pressing need for protecting Mahomes' blind side. He signed Kristian Fulton to solidify the cornerback position, brought in Jerry Tillery to bolster the pass rush, and signed Elijah Mitchell to work alongside Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt in the backfield.

More recently, Veach has taken care of the Chiefs' own. In the span of a week, Trey Smith set the market for a guard with a four-year, $94 million deal and pass rusher George Karlaftis signed a four-year, $93 million extension.

Cornerback Trent McDuffie, who like Karlaftis was a first-round pick in 2022, could be next in line for a big contract.

In the case of those two, every season Karlaftis and McDuffie have played in the NFL has ended in the Super Bowl, with two rings to show for their efforts. But it seems like the one that got away has overshadowed any of the successes.

“We wanted to finish better,” Karlaftis said simply, reflecting on last season. “We just want to finish our season better.”

The work for that began Tuesday amid oppressive heat and humidity at Missouri Western State University.

“(The Super Bowl loss) kind of helps you out on some of those extra workouts that you don't want to do, or some of the different stuff in order to get better for next season, and kind of keeps that in your mind,” Mahomes said.

“Now we're here. We're here to start over. ‘How can I get better for my teammates? How can I get better for the guys beside me?’ And then go out there and attack so that we can find a way to win that last game, and not lose it.”

🏈 Chiefs open training camp focused on Super Bowl redemption

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Tuesday, July 22
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Chicago Cubs, 6:30pm

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice and drove in four runs, Jac Caglianone and John Rave added solo shots and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 12-4 on Monday night.

Chicago’s Matt Shaw and Carson Kelly went deep off Noah Cameron (4-4) in the second, but the rookie lefthander was in control for most of the first six innings. He allowed all four Cubs runs and seven hits while striking out six to help the Royals win their second straight.

Ben Brown (4-7), recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Iowa, replaced opener Ryan Brasier in the second and gave up six earned runs and seven hits while striking out four over the next four innings. Caglianone had a solo shot off Brown in the second and Perez added a two-run homer in the fourth.

Kansas City got RBI hits from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. to start a four-run fifth. The two scored on a throwing error and wild pitch, respectively.

Rave homered in the seventh off Chris Flexen, who gave up Perez’s two-run shot in a four-run eighth that ensured the Cubs’ second straight loss. Relievers John Schreiber and Andrew Hoffman kept Chicago scoreless, and Witt and Rave each finished with a pair of RBIs.

Shaw drove in three runs for the Cubs, who gave All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the night off due to knee soreness.

Witt made the most of his at-bat in the fifth inning. He drove in Kyle Isbel with a single to put the Royals in front for good, stole second and went to third on Kelly’s errant pickoff throw, then scored on Brown’s wild pitch for the final run of the inning.

The top third of the Cubs’ order — Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki — was a combined 0 for 11.

Cubs LHP Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) makes his first post-All Star break appearance Tuesday. Kansas City has not named a starter.

⚾ Perez, Caglianone and Rave homers power Royals over the Cubs

HAYS - It appears mother nature may be the only thing able to stop the Hays Larks. 

The Larks (28-4-1, 20-4 RMBL) had won 13-straight overall and 15 in a row at home entering Monday's regular season finale against Dodge City and had a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when rain and lightning moved in forcing the game be eventually be called.

Thomas Lyssy singled, advanced to third on a
Trent Baker base hit then stole home to give the Larks the early lead.


The Larks now head to Wichita where they will begin defense of their NBC World Series title Thursday at 6 p.m. against the Seattle Blackfins. 

There will be a link to watch the Larks games on the NBC YouTube page on Hays Post.

⚾ Larks regular season finale rained out

The Hays Larks host the Dodge City A's in the final game of the regular season Monday at Larks Park at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks close out season with Dodge City

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team earned the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award, sponsored by INTENT, announced Monday (July 21) by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. This is the 11th consecutive year the Tigers have received the award.

Teams must maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.30 to earn the award. Fort Hays State was one of seven MIAA programs to earn the honor this season.

The 2024-25 volleyball team had 12 student-athletes listed on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Additionally, Claire Olson and Avery Eshleman earned the MIAA Academic Excellence Award. Olson, Tallon Rentschler, and Kirsten Evans were CSC Academic All-District selections for the year.

A total of 1,450 institutions from all college levels and high school received the award this year, including 152 NCAA Division II women's programs.

🏐 Tigers earn all AVCA team Academic Award for 11th-straight year

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rebecca-boone">REBECCA BOONE</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rebecca-boone"></a>BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Bryan Kohberger, the masked man who snuck into a rental home near the University of Idaho campus and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bryan-kohberger">stabbed four students to death</a>&nbsp;in late 2022, is expected to face the families of his victims in court Wednesday at his sentencing hearing.

Whether those families will get any answers about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bryan-kohberger-idaho-student-killings-fc03e31c8a35deb0718ae15e2887481a">why he did it</a>&nbsp;or how he came to target&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-idaho-house-demolished-four-students-killed-80d34c85bd62f0857d41eacc173626dd">the home on King Road</a>&nbsp;in Moscow remains to be seen. But Kohberger, 30, is expected to be sentenced to life in prison for murdering Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-idaho-boise-university-of-d0ed74d74bd11f3c58e5f78ea52a0b6c">rural college town of Moscow</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kohberger-idaho-students-slain-6626d7c53a08563cfa9df5123f41bd87">He pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;earlier this month in a deal to avoid the death penalty. He will have an opportunity to speak at the sentencing — as will the loved ones of his victims.

Here’s what to know about Kohberger’s sentencing.

Mogen, Kernodle, Goncalves and Chapin were found stabbed to death on Nov. 13, 2023. The crime horrified the city, which hadn’t seen a homicide in about five years, and prompted a massive hunt for the perpetrator.

Kohberger, a graduate student in criminology at nearby Washington State University, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/law-enforcement-idaho-pennsylvania-crime-5a9c3c1117dbf2efcd37cdf04e5c01ae">arrested in Pennsylvania</a>, where his parents lived, roughly six weeks later.

Police said they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-idaho-killings-kohberger-evidence-constitutional-134b5f69a8878cd6174a7c4d487d3b9b">recovered DNA</a>&nbsp;from a knife sheath found at the home, and used genetic genealogy to identify Kohberger as a possible suspect. They accessed cellphone data to pinpoint his movements and used surveillance camera footage to help locate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-pennsylvania-idaho-5f5173a3af306701d5659f2fb61a9d44">a white sedan</a>&nbsp;that was seen repeatedly driving past the home on the night of the killings.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-idaho-murder-kohberger-guilty-d73f71d01046a99e2dba6170e4ed7c50">Q-tip from the garbage</a>&nbsp;at his parents’ house was used to match Kohberger’s DNA to genetic material from the sheath, investigators said.

Kohberger’s attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn’t be able to find enough unbiased jurors in Moscow. But Judge Stephen Hippler rejected their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table and to strike critical evidence — including the DNA — from being admitted in trial.

The trial had been set to begin next month.

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