By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State men’s outdoor track and field team has been ranked fifth in the 2022 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, while the women were listed sixth when the poll was released on Friday (March 25).
Both teams placed fifth at the indoor conference meet last month, while the women were fifth and the men sixth at the 2021 outdoor MIAA Championships.
The Tigers had a strong 2021 outdoor campaign across the board, with the Tigers breaking 11 school records in addition to 12 All-MIAA accolades and nine All-Americans. All 14 national qualifiers from a year ago are back again this season.
The women earned seven All-MIAA honors a year ago, with all six individuals earning those awards back this season. The men earned five All-MIAA awards at last season’s outdoor meet, including two relays. Eight of the nine individuals contributing to those all-conference marks are back on the roster this year.
Returning 2021 outdoor All-MIAA performers include Lyric Holman (1st 100m, 3rd 200m), Alexandra Hart (1st High Jump), Mattie Rossi (2nd Heptathlon), Addie Berens (3rd Javelin), Laurel Haley (3rd Hammer Throw), Abigail Stewart (3rd 10,000m), Xavier Robinson (1st 4x100m Relay), Philip Landrum (1st 4x100m Relay, 3rd 200m), Hayden Albright (1st 4x100m Relay, 2nd 4x400m Relay), Jack Pakkebier (2nd 4x400m Relay), Nolan Churchman (2nd 4x400m Relay), Ethan Lang (2nd 4x400m Relay), Grant Bradley (3rd 3,000m Steeplechase) and Aaron Mangan (3rd 800m).
After winning both indoor team titles, Pittsburg State is ranked first in both outdoor polls.
This year’s outdoor conference championships will be hosted by Emporia State University May 6-8. The Tigers will host the annual Alex Francis Classic on April 29.
2022 MIAA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Preseason Poll
1. Pittsburg State (10) – 100
T-2. Central Missouri – 81
T-2. Missouri Southern – 81
4. Nebraska Kearney (1) – 76
5. Fort Hays State – 62
6. Northwest Missouri – 56
7. Lincoln – 55
8. Washburn – 35
9. Missouri Western – 26
10. Emporia State – 22
11. Rogers State – 11
2022 MIAA Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Preseason Poll
1. Pittsburg State (9) – 119
T-2. Central Missouri (1) – 103
T-2. Northwest Missouri (1) – 103
4. Lincoln – 91
5. Missouri Southern (1) – 82
6. Fort Hays State – 78
7. Nebraska Kearney – 59
8. Washburn – 50
9. Emporia State – 43
10. Missouri Western – 32
T-11. Central Oklahoma – 16
T-11. Rogers State – 16