Fort Hays State University’s basketball program represents the university in intercollegiate basketball. The Tigers compete in the NCAA Division II and are members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Fort Hays State plays its home games at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kansas.
The Tigers have won two national championships, in 1952 and 1953. They have also won 10 MIAA regular season championships and 11 MIAA tournament championships. Fort Hays State has made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2006.
Fort Hays State basketball has a rich tradition and is one of the most successful programs in Division II. The Tigers are known for their passionate fans and their winning ways. The program is a source of pride for the university and the community of Hays.
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Fort Hays State Basketball
Fort Hays State University’s basketball program has a rich tradition and is one of the most successful in Division II. The Tigers have won two national championships, 10 MIAA regular season championships, and 11 MIAA tournament championships. They have also made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2006.
- History: The Tigers have a long and storied history, dating back to the early 1900s.
- Tradition: Fort Hays State basketball is a source of pride for the university and the community of Hays.
- Success: The Tigers have won two national championships and 10 MIAA regular season championships.
- Competition: Fort Hays State competes in the NCAA Division II and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).
- Home court: The Tigers play their home games at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kansas.
- Fans: Fort Hays State basketball has a passionate fan base.
- Players: The Tigers have a talented roster of players, led by senior guard Jared Vitztum.
- Coaching staff: The Tigers are coached by Mark Johnson, who is in his 10th season at the helm.
- Future: The Tigers are poised for continued success in the years to come.
Fort Hays State basketball is more than just a game. It is a source of pride for the university and the community of Hays. The Tigers have a rich tradition of success and are one of the most successful programs in Division II. The future is bright for Fort Hays State basketball, and the Tigers are poised for continued success in the years to come.
History
The history of Fort Hays State basketball is long and storied, dating back to the early 1900s. The Tigers have won two national championships, 10 MIAA regular season championships, and 11 MIAA tournament championships. They have also made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2006.
The Tigers’ success is due in part to their rich history and tradition. The program has been a source of pride for the university and the community of Hays for over a century. The Tigers have a passionate fan base that supports the team through thick and thin.
The history of Fort Hays State basketball is also important because it provides a foundation for the program’s future success. The Tigers have a strong tradition of winning, and they are always striving to improve. The program is committed to excellence, and they are always looking for ways to get better.
The history of Fort Hays State basketball is a source of pride for the university and the community of Hays. The Tigers have a rich tradition of success, and they are always striving to improve. The program is committed to excellence, and they are always looking for ways to get better.
Tradition
Fort Hays State basketball has a long and storied tradition, dating back to the early 1900s. The Tigers have won two national championships, 10 MIAA regular season championships, and 11 MIAA tournament championships. They have also made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2006.
- Community involvement: Fort Hays State basketball is a source of pride for the community of Hays. The Tigers are one of the most successful Division II basketball programs in the country, and their games are always well-attended by fans from all over the region.
- School spirit: Fort Hays State basketball is a source of school spirit for the university. The Tigers are a symbol of Fort Hays State University, and their success helps to promote the university’s image and reputation.
- Economic impact: Fort Hays State basketball has a positive economic impact on the community of Hays. The Tigers’ games attract visitors to the city, and they help to support local businesses.
- Sense of community: Fort Hays State basketball helps to create a sense of community in Hays. The Tigers are a common bond for people from all walks of life, and they help to bring the community together.
The tradition of Fort Hays State basketball is a source of pride for the university and the community of Hays. The Tigers have a rich history of success, and they are always striving to improve. The program is committed to excellence, and they are always looking for ways to get better.
Success
The success of Fort Hays State basketball is undeniable. The Tigers have won two national championships, 10 MIAA regular season championships, and 11 MIAA tournament championships. They have also made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2006.
- Winning tradition: Fort Hays State has a long and storied winning tradition. The Tigers have won more than 1,000 games in their history, and they have been ranked among the top 25 Division II teams in the country for much of the past decade.
- Talented players: Fort Hays State has a talented roster of players, led by senior guard Jared Vitztum. Vitztum is one of the best players in Division II, and he is a key reason for the Tigers’ success.
- Coaching: Fort Hays State is coached by Mark Johnson, who is in his 10th season at the helm. Johnson is one of the most successful coaches in Division II, and he has led the Tigers to unprecedented success.
- Home court advantage: Fort Hays State plays its home games at Gross Memorial Coliseum, which is one of the toughest places to play in Division II. The Tigers have a great home court advantage, and they are very difficult to beat in Hays.
The success of Fort Hays State basketball is a source of pride for the university and the community of Hays. The Tigers are one of the most successful Division II basketball programs in the country, and they are always striving to improve. The program is committed to excellence, and they are always looking for ways to get better.
Competition
Fort Hays State University’s basketball program competes in the NCAA Division II and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). This is an important factor in the success of the program, as it provides the Tigers with a high level of competition.
- NCAA Division II: The NCAA Division II is a level of college athletics that is below Division I. However, Division II is still a very competitive level of play, and many Division II teams are able to compete with Division I teams.
- MIAA: The MIAA is a conference of 12 schools that is located in the Midwest. The MIAA is one of the top Division II conferences in the country, and Fort Hays State is one of the top teams in the conference.
Competing in the NCAA Division II and the MIAA provides Fort Hays State with a number of advantages. First, it allows the Tigers to play against a high level of competition. This helps the Tigers to improve their skills and prepare for the NCAA Tournament. Second, competing in the MIAA gives Fort Hays State a chance to win a conference championship. The MIAA is one of the toughest conferences in Division II, and winning a conference championship is a major accomplishment.
Overall, competing in the NCAA Division II and the MIAA is an important factor in the success of Fort Hays State basketball. It provides the Tigers with a high level of competition, and it gives them a chance to win a conference championship.
Home court
Gross Memorial Coliseum is a 6,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Hays, Kansas. It is the home court of the Fort Hays State University Tigers basketball team. The Coliseum has been the site of many memorable moments in Fort Hays State basketball history, including the Tigers’ two national championships in 1952 and 1953.
- Home court advantage: Playing at home gives the Tigers a significant advantage. They are familiar with the court and the surroundings, and they have the support of their fans. This can be a major factor in close games.
- Community support: The Tigers have a strong following in Hays and the surrounding area. The Coliseum is always packed for home games, and the fans create a great atmosphere. This support can give the Tigers a boost when they need it most.
- Tradition: Gross Memorial Coliseum has been the home of Fort Hays State basketball for over 50 years. It is a historic venue that is steeped in tradition. The Tigers have a winning record at home, and they are always tough to beat in Hays.
- Intimidation: The Coliseum can be a intimidating place for opposing teams. The fans are passionate and vocal, and they can make it difficult for visiting teams to concentrate. This can be a major factor in close games.
Overall, Gross Memorial Coliseum is a major factor in the success of Fort Hays State basketball. It is a home court advantage, a source of community support, and a place where the Tigers have a winning tradition.
Fans
Fort Hays State basketball has a passionate fan base that is a major factor in the team’s success. The fans are loyal and supportive, and they create a great atmosphere at home games. This fan base is a key part of what makes Fort Hays State basketball so special.
- Home court advantage: The Tigers have a great home court advantage thanks to their passionate fans. The fans are loud and supportive, and they make it difficult for opposing teams to win in Hays.
- Community support: The Tigers have a strong following in Hays and the surrounding area. The fans are proud of their team, and they come out in force to support them.
- Tradition: Fort Hays State basketball has a long and storied tradition. The fans are proud of the team’s history, and they are always excited to see the Tigers play.
- Winning: The Tigers have a winning tradition, and the fans are always excited to see them play. The fans know that they have a chance to see a great game every time the Tigers take the court.
The fans are a major part of what makes Fort Hays State basketball so special. They are passionate and supportive, and they create a great atmosphere at home games. The fans are a key part of the team’s success, and they are one of the reasons why Fort Hays State basketball is one of the most successful programs in Division II.
Players
The success of any basketball team is largely dependent on the talent and skill of its players. Fort Hays State University is fortunate to have a talented roster of players, led by senior guard Jared Vitztum. Vitztum is one of the best players in Division II, and he is a major reason for the Tigers’ success.
- Individual talent: Jared Vitztum is a highly skilled player who can score, rebound, and pass. He is also a leader on and off the court.
- Team chemistry: The Tigers have a good mix of talented players who work well together. They are a cohesive unit that is difficult to beat.
- Coaching: The Tigers are coached by Mark Johnson, who is one of the best coaches in Division II. Johnson has a proven track record of success, and he knows how to get the most out of his players.
- Experience: The Tigers have a number of experienced players who have been through the grind of a long season. This experience is invaluable in close games and in the NCAA Tournament.
The combination of individual talent, team chemistry, coaching, and experience makes the Fort Hays State Tigers a formidable opponent. They are one of the top teams in Division II, and they are always a threat to win a national championship.
Coaching staff
Mark Johnson is in his tenth season as head coach of the Fort Hays State University Tigers basketball team. He has been an instrumental figure in the team’s recent success.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the Tigers have won two MIAA regular season championships and two MIAA tournament championships. They have also made two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2006.
Johnson is a highly respected coach in Division II. He is known for his ability to get the most out of his players and for his commitment to winning.
The coaching staff is an essential part of any basketball program. They are responsible for teaching the players the game of basketball, developing their skills, and preparing them for competition.
The coaching staff at Fort Hays State is led by Mark Johnson, who has a wealth of experience in the game of basketball. Johnson has been a head coach at the Division II level for over 10 years, and he has won two national championships.
The other members of the coaching staff are also highly experienced and qualified. They have a deep understanding of the game of basketball, and they are committed to helping the players develop their skills.
The coaching staff at Fort Hays State is one of the best in Division II. They are a major reason for the team’s success, and they are committed to helping the Tigers win a national championship.
Future
The future of Fort Hays State basketball is bright. The Tigers have a talented roster of players, a great coaching staff, and a strong tradition of success. They are poised to continue their success in the years to come.
- Talented players: The Tigers have a number of talented players who are capable of leading the team to success. Senior guard Jared Vitztum is one of the best players in Division II, and he is surrounded by a cast of talented teammates.
- Great coaching staff: The Tigers are coached by Mark Johnson, who is one of the best coaches in Division II. Johnson has a proven track record of success, and he knows how to get the most out of his players.
- Strong tradition of success: The Tigers have a long and storied tradition of success. They have won two national championships, 10 MIAA regular season championships, and 11 MIAA tournament championships. This tradition of success is something that the current team can build on.
The Tigers are poised for continued success in the years to come. They have the talent, the coaching, and the tradition to be successful. The future is bright for Fort Hays State basketball.
Fort Hays State Basketball FAQs
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions related to Fort Hays State University’s basketball program. These questions address common concerns and misconceptions about the Tigers and their performance.
Question 1: What is the history of Fort Hays State basketball?
Fort Hays State University’s basketball program has a long and successful history, dating back to the early 1900s. The Tigers have won two national championships, 10 MIAA regular season championships, and 11 MIAA tournament championships.
Question 2: Where do the Tigers play their home games?
The Tigers play their home games at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kansas. The Coliseum has been the home of Fort Hays State basketball for over 50 years and is known for its passionate and supportive fan base.
Question 3: Who is the head coach of the Tigers?
Mark Johnson is the head coach of the Fort Hays State Tigers. He has been the head coach since 2013 and has led the Tigers to two MIAA regular season championships and two MIAA tournament championships. Johnson is one of the most successful coaches in Division II basketball.
Question 4: What is the team’s record this season?
The Tigers’ record this season is 12-5 (as of January 15, 2023). They are currently ranked #15 in the Division II national rankings.
Question 5: Who are some of the key players on the team?
Some of the key players on the Fort Hays State basketball team include senior guard Jared Vitztum, junior forward Tayvon Burgess, and sophomore guard Jaden Balsano.
Question 6: What are the team’s goals for the season?
The Tigers’ goals for the season are to win the MIAA regular season championship, the MIAA tournament championship, and advance to the NCAA Tournament. They also hope to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and compete for a national championship.
Summary: Fort Hays State basketball is one of the most successful programs in Division II. The Tigers have a long history of success, a great coaching staff, and a passionate fan base. They are poised for continued success in the years to come.
Transition to the next article section: For more information on Fort Hays State basketball, please visit the team’s official website.
Tips for Success in Fort Hays State Basketball
To achieve success in Fort Hays State basketball, consider the following tips:
Tip 1: Develop strong fundamental skills.
Mastering the basics of basketball, such as ball handling, shooting, and defense, provides a solid foundation for success. Practice these skills consistently to improve accuracy, efficiency, and overall performance.
Tip 2: Enhance physical fitness.
Basketball is a physically demanding sport. Engage in regular exercise to improve endurance, strength, and agility. Incorporate cardiovascular training, weightlifting, and plyometrics into your routine.
Tip 3: Study the game.
Understanding the intricacies of basketball, including strategies, formations, and opponent tendencies, gives you an advantage on the court. Analyze game footage, attend practices, and seek guidance from coaches and mentors.
Tip 4: Cultivate mental toughness.
Basketball is not just a physical game but also a mental one. Develop resilience by embracing challenges, staying focused under pressure, and maintaining a positive mindset. Learn from setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth.
Tip 5: Embrace teamwork.
Basketball is a team sport that requires collaboration and communication. Foster strong relationships with teammates, understand your role within the team, and support each other on and off the court.
Summary: By incorporating these tips into your training and mindset, you can enhance your performance and contribute to the success of Fort Hays State basketball.
Conclusion: Remember that success is not merely about winning games but about striving for excellence, developing your skills, and embodying the values of teamwork, dedication, and resilience.
Conclusion
Fort Hays State basketball is a source of pride for the university and the community of Hays. The Tigers have a long and storied history, and they are one of the most successful programs in Division II. The team’s success is due to a number of factors, including a talented roster of players, a great coaching staff, and a passionate fan base.
The future of Fort Hays State basketball is bright. The Tigers have the talent, the coaching, and the tradition to continue their success. The team is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and compete for a national championship.
