The\u00a0Tiger Sports Hall of Fame\u00a0induction ceremony\u00a0is one of my favorite campus events.\u00a0This\u00a0annual event\u00a0was established in 1986 to honor former Fort Hays State University athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have made extraordinary contributions\u00a0to Tiger athletics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ceremony never disappoints. In story after story, I couldn\u2019t help but marvel at our hall of famers\u2019 perseverance, grit, and remarkable triumphs over adversity. The room is filled with fellowship and shared admiration, and the stories bring laughter, smiles, and tears. In fact, there is always a box of tissues at the podium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another aspect of the program I love is that the inductee chooses who will present themto the attendees. Often the presenters are former coaches and teammates. Just as frequently, they are sons, daughters, and, this year, a mom. I loved that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2022 Hall of Fame inductee Jon Nelson, track and field\/cross country (1970-74), was introduced by his daughter. They shared stories of Coach Alex Francis who was knownfor his one-liners, including \u201cbeat someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fred Campbell, men\u2019s basketball (1984-1986), was unable to join us due to an injury. He sent a beautiful letter about how much he was looking forward to returning to Fort Hays State University and what his time here meant to him. Fred promised to return in the near future. He remains in my thoughts and prayers as he goes through his surgery and healing journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve Broxterman, track and field (1986-88), was introduced by his son, who told several heartfelt stories detailing how his dad overcame adversity several times \u2013 two of those stories had to do with earning his way to the national championships in the high jump. The first time he earned a spot in a national championship, he was a student at Highland Community College in northeast Kansas. The championships that year were in Dodge City. A bus breakdown led to him arriving too late to compete in his event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve went on to continue his career at FHSU, qualifying for the NAIA National Championships in both his junior and senior years. Just prior to the competition in his senior year, Steve blew a hole in his shoe during practice. He did not have a spare pair.So, Steve looked around for somebody who he thought might be the kindest of his competitors and spotted an Emporia State athlete. He asked that competitor if he could wear his shoes. The ESU athlete agreed to share his shoes. Round after round, the two athletes shared one pair of shoes. <\/a>This amazing demonstration of the spirit of sportsmanship in action is a great example of what it means to have the heart of a champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What I remember most about Greg Yost\u2019s introduction (football 1987-90) was his aggressive, detailed, and dedicated approach to the game. A teammate described the ferocity of his tackles, saying when Greg walked off of the field, his helmet often carried paint streaks from his opponents\u2019 helmets. Greg was also known to spend a lot of time watching the film on his opponents so he could recognize plays and player tendencies ahead of time. That way, he always knew he could stay one step ahead of his opponents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n