Story by MAYAN PAZ Photos by DANIELA SALINAS
Tiger Media Network
Every year, senior day is one of the most emotional days for the Tiger football team at Fort Hays State University, as the players who dedicated years of their lives to the Tigers step off the turf at Lewis Field Stadium for the last time. But this year, it was even more emotional for the Tigers, as no less than 23 different players made their final plays at home. Of those 23 players, some having played for six seasons in Hays, had the chance to say goodbye in the perfect way, with a 53-9 win against Missouri Southern.
FHSU Head Coach Chris Brown spoke about the emotions in the locker room just before the game.
“It was intense. You know, guys were locked in. They were focused and knew what they had to do to win this ball game,” Brown said. “I’m so proud of our guys. They were excited. They want to get this win for the seniors. And that’s exactly what they did.”
For the seniors, it was an opportunity to showcase their skills for the final time in Hays, and running back Shane Watts did precisely that. Watts ended the game with 201 rushing yards – his first career 200+ yard rushing game – rushed for two touchdowns and added a receiving touchdown as well. He also managed to put down the most impressive highlight of the game, as during the third quarter, he found a hole in the Lion defense and broke free for a 79-yard touchdown, his 20th touchdown as a Tiger.
“I knew it was my last chance to ball out in front of Hays, so I had to make sure I gave them (the fans) the show. So that’s what I did,” Watts said of his 79-yard run. “I got past the first level, and the tight end got the block on the linebacker, and then the rest was just foot race.”
This senior class has been through a long journey, having recorded two seasons with a negative win record before managing a 7-4 record during the 2023 season. FHSU currently possesses a 6-3 record, which guarantees a winning record at the end of the season. However the team is shooting for a mark of 8-3.
“Those guys really have changed the program,” Brown said. “They have a great work ethic, great character, great teammates, and are selfless. So, hats off to them for building the culture back to where it was. They’ve been great leaders, undertaking ownership of this team. They really have truly become a close family. And also very close to God as well, which is the coolest thing to see. They’re seeing them walking their faith and growing their faith as well.”
Safety Mason Perez also mentioned the process the team has been through and the fact they are still in contention for a postseason run.
“We’ve been through some ups and downs my first couple years when I got here, and then last season and this season have been pretty up so far,” Perez said. “We want to continue this season. Hopefully, we get a run in the playoffs or even a bowl game.”
Many of the players had their family members in the stands, cheering them on for the last time, and as Brown mentioned, the team is a second family and home for the senior players.
“I’m just blessed, you know,” Watts said, summarizing his time in Hays. “We have a great community supporting us. I love having fun with all my teammates and coaches, and I’m just blessed to be in a situation I’m in.”
While FHSU and its senior class are done playing in front of their home fans, the Tigers have two more road contests to end the regular season. FHSU travels to Emporia on Saturday before its bye week. The Tigers will play their regular-season finale against Nebraska-Kearney on Nov. 16, hoping to get two more wins that might put the team in a spot to have some post-season games and to leave a final mark for the seniors saying goodbye to Fort Hays.
You must be logged in to post a comment.