10/7/24

By: FHSU Foundation

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex Friday morning to kick off Homecoming weekend. The 20,000-square-foot complex in the south end zone of Lewis Field Stadium will be a game-changer, accommodating for the growth of FHSU’s athletic programs.

The estimated $11.5 million complex will be well-utilized by our football team and enhance the training capabilities for all student-athletes. The new complex is expected to be complete in November 2025.

“This facility represents a commitment to our growth both on and off the field and the trust and support our fans and this university have in our program,” said Myles Menges, defensive lineman for the Tiger football team. “Access to state-of-the-art equipment will help us train more effectively, recover quicker, grow stronger, and perform at our very best.”

Maintaining student-athlete health and reducing injury has always been at the forefront of FHSU Athletics.

“The new athletic complex offers advanced technology and resources to help prevent injuries and support recovery for the growing number of student-athletes at FHSU,” said FHSU senior Jessica Saunders, who competes in both volleyball and track and field. “These improvements will not only enhance our performance on the court but also enable athletes to recover more effectively when injuries occur.”

An expansive meeting room and equally impressive locker room will easily fit 130 athletes. In addition to the spacious meeting room, other spaces, like coaching offices, are much-needed additions. FHSU Director of Sports Medicine Nate Hepner said these expanded health resources, like the new sports medicine area, will take Fort Hays State to the next level.

“The new athletic training room within this facility will be on par with many Division I universities but will most importantly set us apart as a leader in sports medicine across the highly competitive MIAA Conference and Division II,” Hepner said.

“Our student-athletes demonstrate their unwavering commitment to Fort Hays State University, and the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex is a testament to our dedication to promoting their health and well-being as they compete at the highest level,” said FHSU President Dr. Tisa Mason.

“We want to thank everyone involved in making this dream a reality and are excited to continue representing Fort Hays State University with pride,” added Menges. 

FHSU is well on its way to funding this project, thanks to the generous support of donors who have already stepped forward to lend a hand; however, additional fundraising is needed. Several opportunities exist for those interested in being part of this exciting project, including:

• Making a gift (large or small) to the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex.
• Naming a football locker in honor of a loved one, on behalf of your business, or in memory of a family member or friend for $3,000. You can pay in full or make an initial $1,000 payment and be billed annually for the remainder.
• Naming a space within the athletic complex.

Make a gift online or learn more about the athletic complex by visiting foundation.fhsu.edu/athletic-complex, calling 785-628-5620, or emailing foundation@fhsu.edu.