Im originally from Oklahoma, and football is a big part of life down there, she said. He received that same message from his uncle, Alan Tsinigine, as he lost his life two months after his mom passed. vs 7-Seed Regis University. On more than one overnight trip campus police have ticketed Smiths vehicle. Standard rates apply. For the best experience, we recommend, start your free recruiting profile with SportsRecruits today. Football Coaching Staff. The Skyhawks notched seven wins this past season, including six in conference games (7-4, 6-3 RMAC). He won the Colorado National Football Foundation Coach of the Year honors in 2005 and 2006 while at Fort Lewis College, and RMAC Coach of the Year honors while at New Mexico Highlands in 1999. Colorado Mines quarterback John Matocha was selected as the RMAC Offensive Player of the Year, and Brandon Moore was selected as the RMAC Coach of the Year.[21]. In their third year under head coach Charlie Flohr, the Hardrockers compiled a 74 record (63 against RMAC opponents) and finished fourth in the RMAC. The 2022 Colorado Mines Orediggers football team represented the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football season. She said she likes football, noting that her dad played college ball and her brother plays college football. 2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Devon Taylor, OG, Fort Lewis College by Jimmy Williams July 16, 2021 Devon Taylor is a massive force on the Fort Lewis offesive line. Hear from Fort Lewis College Head Football Coach Johnny Cox after a tough 70-10 loss on the road at Colorado Mesa University. 2012, Went 4-8 as interim head coach at Arkansas, taking over after Bobby Petrino was fired. Rifilato will officially take over as head coach beginning Jan. 1, 2016. Defensive coordinator Ed Rifilato has been promoted to head coach. It just might take longer than anticipated. Years ago, Smith stepped into the Alabama home of a top player and took note of family photos adorning the mantel. Student-Athlete. Last year Smith and Hunter bought a big-screen TV so the kids would have somewhere to congregate, paying for it out of their own pockets. Defensive coordinator Ed Rifilato will continue to oversee day-to-day operations until Smith arrives on campus. I have to raise a quarter of it? Smith says. Defensive coordinator Ed Rifilato has been promoted to head coach. Says Smith, after a long sigh: This isnt exactly the SEC.. The last time the Skyhawks notched seven wins in a season was 2006 when Rifilato was the head coach. . Gomez made contact with the coaches and at that point nothing was guaranteed. I have some little brothers and they mean the world to me. Thanks for visiting the Fort Lewis College Football scholarship and program information page. In the meantime, we'd like to offer some helpful information to kick start your recruiting process. When I was at Utah State [from 1995-97], one night we didnt have working lights on the practice field, so I told everyone to go get their cars, point them at the field and turn on their lights. Public transportation serves campus. On a long, windy trip along Red Mountain Pass -- one of the most dangerous highways in the world -- toward Grand Junction, Smith points out the ski resort formerly known as Purgatory, a popular cold-weather vacation destination. Known as much for his eccentric personality as his spread offense, he did not expect this when he agreed to lead a Division II team. When a teammate interjects to explain the Mesa player said something degrading, Smith waves him off. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Rifilato's wife, Kelley, is the Skyhawks head volleyball coach. The latest additions include two collegiate transfers and 28 high school seniors. CSU Pueblo defensive tackle Trey Botts was selected as the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year.[21]. Arizona State forced 13 turnovers in only four games, highlighted by a seven-turnover performance in the Territorial Cup victory. People have unlimited possibilities when given an opportunity., Carlton grew up as a football fan and was excited to help out the Forts team. Fort Lewis College is making a commitment to football, said Hunter. Defensive coordinator Ed Rifilato will continue to oversee day-to-day operations until Smith arrives on campus. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. The win over Pueblo gives him reassurance the Skyhawks, and their self-image, are trending up. Here you will get information about the school and information on their Football program like who to get hold of about recruitment, names of, Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator) Spencer Brown, Assistant coach (Special Teams) Justin Fields, Assistant coach (Offensive Coordinator) John Grinde, Recruiting Coordinator, Assistant Coach (Defensive Backs) Emmanuel Jordan Bible, Assistant coach (Defensive Coordinator) Shay McClure, Assistant Coach (Wide Receivers) Virnel Moon, baseball, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, skiing, soccer, track and field, snowboarding, wrestling, softball. Junior Madison Carlton, who also cheers for the Skyhawks, and senior cross-country and track runner Karla De La Cruz also intern with the team.. If you dont talk about being a champion youre never going to get there, he says. This information is very valuable for all high school student-athletes to understand as they start the recruiting process. It made him a better athlete and a better man. Not only has Coach Smith had outstanding success on the field, but he has always stressed the importance of academics and community and campus involvement, said Hunter. To get actively recruited, a college coach needs to see you compete, which is why its important to have an online athletic recruiting profile. I'm looking forward to it and my wife is looking forward to it, he said. 24 . I'm very excited to actually coach for the real reasons you get into coaching to make a difference in the kids' lives and help them get an education, he said. You are using an incompatible browser. John L. Smith has resigned as head football coach from Fort Lewis College, announced today by Director of Athletics Gary Hunter. There are no apparel contracts. John L. and I had a good working relationship at UI, cooperating on selection and advising of the student-athletes. The Skyhawks have never been one of them. In their 15th year under head coach John Wristen, the ThunderWolves compiled an 84 record (72 against conference opponents) and finished second in the RMAC. Physical Education, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Coed dorms, Single-student apartments, Married-student apartments, Special housing for disabled students, Other. 2 Colorado State-Pueblo thanks to the performance of junior receiver Jordan Gillen, who caught a touchdown pass and threw another when the Skyhawks ran a flea flicker with 3:46 remaining. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The 2022 Chadron State Eagles football team represented Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football season. The trip got longer on the way home when the bus broke down for a few hours. The Page High graduate said signing his letter of intent is a dream come true. Leverage our data to see the big picture and know where you stand. Fort Lewis College does offer athletic scholarships for Football. John L. Smith a longtime NCAA Division I head coach with success at six different universities will become head football coach at Fort Lewis College effective March 1, Skyhawk Director of Athletics Gary Hunter announced today. Maybe they need someone whos nurturing. Hes not mellow, thats for sure.. They have three children: Nicholas, Kayse and Sam. About. The team won in the first three rounds of the NCAA Division II playoffs and faces Shepherd in the semifinals on December 10. A flag is thrown and Smith screams at Chambers: Get your butt off the field!, Smith grabs Chambers collar and pulls him so close their noses practically touch. Smith will also be reunited with Rifilato, one of his former players and assistant coaches at Fort Lewis. That injury prevented him from competing in combine to possible make the national team in 2019 after he got an invite by taking part in another combine in Phoenix earlier that year. When I was playing sports I really didnt think about their deaths. Loud, boisterous and full of one-liners, Smith has become almost a caricature of himself. We recommend switching to Chrome, Firefox, and/or Safari for not only SportsRecruits, but for all websites. Tim Jenkins, Private Quarterback Coach Timothy Jenkins (born February 6, 1991) [1] is an American football coach. Lewis - a veteran coach of over 25 years in the National Football League - and Pierce teamed up to coach an aggressive and opportunistic Sun Devil defense last season. Build, maintain and track progress with colleges on your target list. When I was younger I used to travel with him to rodeos and I wanted to be a cowboy. In 19 seasons as a head coach, his teams have compiled a 136-94 record (.591) and advanced to seven bowl games. Rifilato played for Smith at Idaho and served as his director of football operations at Louisville. The 2022 Adams State Grizzlies football team represented Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football season. In the 26th minute, Andres Hernandez assisted Milen Manchev on what proved to be the game-winning goal for Fort Lewis. . Fort Lewis Football Week 13 Predictions for Every Game Kerry Miller. 19 Colorado Mines rolls SD Mines 48-20", "BHSU football shutout 38-0 by Colorado Mines", "Colorado Mines rallies from 17 points down to stun Western Colorado, remain unbeaten in RMAC", "Western football falls in double overtime: Nethercot leads the way in close game", "Colorado Mines locks up outright RMAC title with rout of New Mexico Highlands", "Mines football crushes Fort Lewis 80-0, wins RMAC title on Senior Day: Orediggers prepare to host Nov. 19 NCAA playoff game", "In barren football landscape of Colorado, the Orediggers of Mines have struck gold", "ThunderWolves' football season comes to an end in NCAA first round", "Colorado Mines rallies to beat Minnesota State, advance to regional final in Division II playoffs", "Mines football squeaks out 48-45 playoff win over Minnesota State", "Colorado Mines back in Division II semifinals behind John Matocha's six TDs", "No. Due to federal privacy regulations, we are not able to create an athlete profile for students under 13 years old. I first looked at Fort Lewis College because of two people: Dene Thomas who I think the world of and is the best person ever that I could work for and Gary Hunter, who was my first athletic director at Idaho and is a true friend, said Smith. Gabe didnt let that keep him down, he got back up and he just made the best of it.. Theyre a part of the team.. No digging up contact information. He had served as NMHU's defensive coordinator from 1996-98. There are high schools in Texas, Smith says, with more resources than us.. But after conferring with an official and determining that the penalty was not on Chambers, Smith jumps into the huddle and hollers, I apologize! According to information you submitted, you are under the age of 13. With Southern players, you can run em through a wall, cuss em up and down, beat em with a stick and theyre like, Coach, I love it, give me more, Smith says. Fort Lewis College Football Program Coaching & Recruiting Staff If you are trying to get recruited it is critical to understand who to get in front of - and NCSA has the information you'll need. Players gush about Smiths ability to break down the game. If were not the first faces they see, were the second, Carlton said. Though hes at an age when many men enjoy golfing and spending time with their grandchildren, retirement was not an option. If you are still having trouble, please be sure to email us at [emailprotected], Location: The first two videos are from President's Cup (I am the one with the blue head band shooting). I felt it was a great opportunity when it presented itself. 10/7 Colorado School of Mines upsets No. He returned to the Skyhawks football program during the 2012 season after previously serving as head coach at both Fort Lewis College and New Mexico Highlands. Theyve been an asset to the program, and Im excited theyre taking advantage of this opportunity. Send Message, Justin Fields He did flag football and he started playing basketball.. The second-year FLC athletic director said the hiring proves the college's commitment to fielding a successful football program, both on and off the field. I worked really hard to do both sports, he continued. Smiths face turns a deep shade of crimson and his eyes bulge. Here you can explore important information about Fort Lewis College Football. I happen to be an adrenaline junkie myself, Hunter says. And despite showing great promise, Vangie said he didnt get the support he needed while playing at the middle school level. Ballantine Communications, Inc. Search by athletic, academic, and geographic criteria to find your dream school. Fort Lewis College head football coach Darrius G. Smith works the sideline during a game this spring against Dixie State in St. George, Utah. I thought on kickoffs you kicked the ball, ran down the field and tackled somebody. Questions? Additional essential staff include: 362-acre campus in Durango (population: 13,922), 174 miles from Grand Junction. Visit ESPN to view the Fort Lewis Skyhawks team schedule for the current and previous seasons Smiths wardrobe most days is a brand mash-up: Nike shoes, Russell Athletic shirt, Under Armour hat. To help him through the grieving process, he used sports as an outlet to cope with the losses he endured. at 866-495-5172 to learn more. He's a great player's coach, said Rifilato, who played for Smith in 1983 and 1984 at the University of Idaho, earning the Vandals' Defensive MVP award. they can save time and money, get ahead and give back. The Recruitng Coordinator (JuCo, Transfers), Volunteer Assistant Coach (Tight Ends) of the Fort Lewis College Football program is John Sandoval. FLC said it plans to begin a search for a new coach. It was a fitting offer for someone who hopes to come back as a ski bum in my next life.. A native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Smith married the former Diana Flora on August 15, 1970. The 2022 Black Hills State Yellow Jackets football team represented Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference football season. Coach John L. Smith will be introduced to the campus and Durango communities. The official Roster for the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks. Smith tried that, in 2006, after he was fired from Michigan State. Congrats, @BPietrack ! Release #LetsSoar #ToTheTop goskyhawks.com When the clock wound down on a 23-22 Fort Lewis win, the players had no idea how to celebrate. Like most football coaches, Smith loves recruiting the South. I want to go into sports psychology and focus on football the mental health side and the nutritional side, Carlton said. Last summer he tore a ligament in his right ankle while playing in a championship game in a basketball tournament at Arizona State University. Prior to arriving at Fort Lewis in 2003, Rifilato spent one year coaching with John L Smith at University of Louisville after serving as defensive coordinator at the University of Idaho in 2000 and 2001. I dont know that Ive ever done that before, question if Im being too hard on a player. They offered Smith the position and he accepted on Jan. 16, 2013. A Dan Antolik B Gary Barnett Gus Bradley C Bill Cooke (American football coach) D Kevin Donnalley (American football, born 1958) Tim Driscoll H Scottie Hazelton M Hal McAfee N Jeff Nady P Robert Prince (American football) R Jim Ryan (American football coach) S John L. Smith W Todd Wash In July 2022, Spencer Brown was appointed as the team's new defensive coordinator. Jan 10 144 career wins after sweeping UCCS & RU last week now puts FLC Head Coach Bob Pietrack at #2 in all-time wins as the Skyhawks skipper. The 2022 Fort Lewis Skyhawks football team represented Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, during the 2022 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) football season. And they told me, Youre the people., My first thought was, Oh Lord, what have I got myself into? Im not very political. Like most athletes, Gomez said injuries are a byproduct of playing sports. Smith, who has more than 40 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience including assistant coaching stints at Weber State (1971), Montana (1972-76), Nevada (1977-81), Idaho (1982-85), Wyoming (1986), Washington State (1987-88) and Arkansas (2009-11), welcomed the opportunity to get back to his coaching roots at Fort Lewis. Basso is one of three female interns in the program. Fort Lewis has just 29, meaning most kids pay to play. Under head coach Johnny Cox, the Grizzlies compiled a 010 record (09) against conference opponents) and finished last in the RMAC. Parent Gomez is pictured here with his parents Al and Vangie Lane. The new Skyhawk skipper the 12th head football coach in FLC history agreed with Hunter. Here are two of our most popular articles to get you started: NCSA College Recruiting (NCSA) is the exclusive athletic recruiting network that educates, assists, and connects, families, coaches and companies so Get Recruited. De La Cruz, who is minoring in coaching, said the internship has helped her learn more about football and she would love to coach after she graduates. The region that treats football as a religion regularly churns out prospects bigger, faster and tougher than the rest. Staff Directory Members By Category/Department; Name Title Email Office (970) Twitter; Johnny Cox: Head Coach-Quarterbacks jcox@fortlewis.edu: 247-7306 247-7306 Transportation has been one of the most dramatic changes for Smith during this experience. Smith has accepted the head coaching position at Kentucky State University (NCAA Division II) in Frankfort, Kentucky. Search for colleges, create a recruiting resume and connect with any college coach in the country in just a few clicks with SportsRecruits. I asked, Where are people who do the fundraising? The Razorbacks, a preseason pick to contend for a BCS berth, finished 4-8. Get Discovered by college coaches. Rifilato was also the director of football operations under Smith at Louisville in 2002. If you are trying to get recruited it is critical to understand who to get in front of - and NCSA has the information you'll need. Forget having a courtesy car; theres not even courtesy parking. "I would like to thank Athletic Director Gary Hunter and President Dene Thomas for the opportunity to lead the Skyhawk football program. I am very excited to have John L. here at FLC. When Smith was hired at Fort Lewis College in the spring of 2013, he was reunited with Hunter, President Dene Thomas and Rifilato. I was a Native kid from LeChee going against 4-star, 5-star athletes and I had nothing to lose so I just balled it out. No matter how far out it is, I believe in talking about it now. This was a soft place to fall, says Di, his wife of 44 years. He kept going and when life gets tough you have to keep plugging away. Really?. Chambers slaps Smiths back before glancing at a teammate and shaking his head. Coach Smith navigated our football program through one of the toughest two-year stretches weve ever seen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I wish him all the best as he moves forward in his career, Leimbach said. 2023 Football Coaching Staff. Copyright 2023 by Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado. Assistant Coach-Recruiting Coordinator JUCO/Transfers/Tight Ends @Sando5656: Men's Golf; (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file), What Silvertons snowpocalypse teaches us about winter weather preparation in rural Colorado, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. At Division II you charter buses. Ironically, attending Fort Lewis wasn't even on his radar at all. could be heard humming in his baritone voice as he went about his work after UPS athletic director and football coach John Heinrick brought him aboard as a 27-year old assistant. SubmittedPage graduate Gabe Gomez (center) signed with the Fort Lewis College football team earlier this week. I had never heard of that in my life, of the head coach doing that. That is when I told my parents that I wanted to play college ball.. All Rights Reserved. La squadra gioca le partite casalinghe a Lewis Field Stadium, che si trova nel campus di Fort Hays State University di Hays, Kansas. But its a spirit Hunter loves. By submitting, you agree to receive personalized follow-up and marketing messages from NCSA by email, phone and automated text. But after the mess in Arkansas that included a bad season -- Smith says he is still close with Petrino -- and a $40 million bankruptcy filing (he was discharged of debt in a settlement last September) that dragged out painfully and publicly over several months, Fort Lewis felt safe. Fort Lewis Panthers (1957-58) / Seattle Ramblers (1959) Center / Noseguard . Thirty hours after the hit and after slipping into a coma, he died at a. From 2008-12 it went 10-58, including 7-38 in league play. DURANGO, Colo. -- The first time John L. Smith attended a budget meeting at Fort Lewis College, a small liberal arts school nestled among the mountains in the southwest corner of . All Rights Reserved. "We appreciate John L.'s hard work in the Skyhawks football program the past two years," said Hunter. Basso is one of three female interns in the program. In the South, players like when coaches holler and yell and stomp their feet. We do not support Internet Explorer. He made head coaching stops at Louisville, Michigan State and Arkansas, among other programs, and is one of just 19 men to take three different schools to bowl games. Fort Lewis College Head Coach Johnny Cox shares his thoughts on the Skyhawks tough 55-14 loss at home on Senior Day. Previously, he wrote for the Gallup Independent. Athletic Training, EMT Paramedic and Treatment Professions. Winning a conference title seems ludicrous given the lack of resources, but Smith tells his players its possible. Most college Football coaches dont respond to unsolicited emails. His grandmother, Desbah Tsinigine, who passed away at 98 years-old encouraged Gomez to pursue an education. Date RMAC Opponent Location Time/Result; 9/10/2022 Arizona Christian University . Send Message, John Grinde The second two videos are from The Rivalry (Neon yellow head band and purple stick). He received his master's degree in physical education from Montana in 1974. Breanna Biorato/Dixie State Athletics Without a. The CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves finished in second place with an 84 overall record. He played quarterback and linebacker for the Wildcats from 1967-70 before joining their staff as a graduate assistant for the 1971 season. Send Message. We love that about him., Smith is learning to love Fort Lewis, too, despite all of the headaches that come with the job. That all changed when his former high school football coach, Mitchell Stevens, suggested that Fort Lewis would be a good fit for him. Gomezs father, Al Lane, said hes real proud that his son has the opportunity to play at the next level. Smith had been hired at Weber State, his alma mater, following the 11 campaign, but left after spring football and went back to Arkansas, where he had once been an assistant under Petrino. A look at notable numbers from the coaching career of John L. Smith, now at Fort Lewis. College coaches The gig had other advantages, too. That all changed when his former high school football coach, Mitchell Stevens, suggested that Fort Lewis would be a good fit for . Assumption of Risk & Responsibility Waiver, Lead Athletic Trainer (Men's Soccer, Men's Basketball), Athletic Trainer (Football, Golf, & Softball), Athletic Trainer (XC, T&F, Cycling, Club & Recreational Sports), Athletic Trainer (Women's Soccer, Women's Lacrosse), Athletic Trainer (Women's Basketball, Volleyball), Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach, Assistant Coach-Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Backs, Assistant Coach-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line, Assistant Coach-Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs, Assistant Coach-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Assistant Coach-Recruiting Coordinator JUCO/Transfers/Tight Ends. But Im learning to be., Midway through the second quarter at Mesa, Fort Lewis defensive back Theo Chambers gets mixed up with an opponent and some recess-level shoving ensues. I really dont know but the coaches never really gave him a chance, she said. 1 Angelo State in NCAA Division II playoffs", "Mavs football loses homecoming matchup against CSU Pueblo", "CSU Pueblo football silences South Dakota Mines on Senior Day at ThunderBowl", "ThunderWolves finish regular season with shutout win at Black Hills State", "The Colorado Classic trophy will remain in Gunnison", "Hardrockers' comeback bid falls short in loss to Truman St. in home opener", "SD Mines overcomes halftime deficit to beat Colorado Mesa", "Photos: Hardrockers win against Grizzlies", "SD Mines wins first game over Chadron State in 35 years", "Dickinson State lose home opener against Black Hills State University", "Mountaineers swat Yellow Jackets with late comeback", "BHSU stumbles in finale to close first winning season in 6 years", "CSU Pueblo takes down NM Highlands for third-straight victory", "CSC Loses To Colorado State-Pueblo For The 13th Straight Time 34-12", "Eagles Top New Mexico Highlands 17-3 In Defensive Battle", "Mesa Mavericks rally past Eagles, win in overtime", "CSU Pueblo spoils Adams State homecoming", "Fort Lewis College football takes on Arizona Christian", "Dominant second half propels Adams past Fort Lewis: Grizzlies win 52-17", "Hardrockers spoil Fort Lewis' Homecoming: Skyhawks score a season-high 20 points in loss", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2022_Rocky_Mountain_Athletic_Conference_football_season&oldid=1140891466, Pages using CFB schedule with gamename after location, Pages using CFB schedule with nowrap or nbsp opponent, Pages using CFB schedule with unnamed parameters, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Offensive Player of the Year: John Matocha, Colorado Mines, Defensive Player of the Year: Trey Botts, CSU Pueblo, Special Teams Player of the Year: CJ Sims, New Mexico Highlands, Offensive Freshman of the Year: Landon Walker, Colorado Mines, Defensive Freshman of the Year: Cooper Brown, Black Hills State, Quarterback - John Matocha, Colorado Mines, Running backs - Michael Zeman, Colorado Mines; Josh Cummings, Western Colorado, Wide receivers - Jeremiah Bridges, South Dakota Mines; Josh Johnston, Colorado Mines; CJ Sims,New Mexico Highlands, Offensive line - Matt Armendariz, Colorado Mines; Sam Ambrogio, Black Hills State; Clayton Martin, Western Colorado; Mathyus Sua, Western Colorado; Levi Johnson, Colorado Mines, Cornerbacks - Mason Pierce, Colorado Mines; Eli Pittman, CSU Pueblo, Safeties - Daniel Bone, CSU Pueblo; Doodles Quinones, Black Hills State, Inside linebackers - Kyante Christian, South Dakota Mines; Adrian Moreno, Colorado Mines, Outside linebackers - Mack Minnehan, Colorado Mines; Luke Conilogue, CSU Pueblo, Defensive tackles - Trey Botts, CSU Pueblo; Tayven Bray, Chadron State, Defensive ends - Hunter OConnor, Chadron State; Gavin Chaddock, South Dakota Mines, Kick returner - Victory David, Western Colorado, Punt returner - CJ Sims, New Mexico Highlands, Golden, CO (NCAA Division II Second Round), LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 08:06. We are extremely fortunate to have a coach with the tremendous background and experience that John L. brings to Fort Lewis College, said Hunter. Johnson also wants to make connections to help her in the future. Had he waited around, Division I assistant offers likely would have flooded in. The football program at Fort Hays began in 1902.