What Is 2016 Fort Hays State Tigers football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Fort Hays State Tigers football team represented Fort Hays State University in the NCAA Division II season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Chris Brown. They competed in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) and did not qualify for the postseason.

Key Facts

The 2016 Fort Hays State Tigers finished the season with a 7-4 overall record
Head coach Chris Brown led the team in his fifth season at the helm
The Tigers played their home games at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, Kansas
They were members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)
The team did not qualify for the NCAA Division II Football Championship playoffs

Overview

The 2016 Fort Hays State Tigers football team represented Fort Hays State University in the NCAA Division II football season. Competing as members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), the Tigers were led by head coach Chris Brown in his fifth year at the helm.

Playing their home games at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, Kansas, the team showed improvement in several areas but ultimately fell short of postseason qualification. Despite a strong offensive showing in multiple games, defensive inconsistencies and close losses contributed to a 7-4 final record.

Record: The Tigers finished the season with a 7-4 overall record, including a 5-4 mark in conference play, marking modest improvement from previous seasons.
Head Coach:Chris Brown, in his fifth season, continued to rebuild the program with a focus on balanced offensive production and disciplined defense.
Home Stadium: The team played at Lewis Field Stadium, a 7,600-seat facility in Hays, Kansas, which has been their home since 1936.
Conference: As a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), the Tigers faced regional rivals like Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State.
Postseason: The Tigers did not qualify for the NCAA Division II Football Championship, missing the playoffs despite a winning record.

Season Performance

The 2016 season featured a mix of strong offensive performances and defensive struggles, particularly in close conference matchups. The team showed resilience, winning several games by double digits, but narrow losses to ranked opponents proved costly.

Offensive Output: The Tigers averaged 33.6 points per game, ranking among the top half of the MIAA in scoring, led by quarterback Dane Williamson.
Defensive Challenges: The defense allowed 28.9 points per game, with particular struggles against high-powered MIAA offenses like Central Missouri.
Key Win: A 45-21 victory over Central Oklahoma in October showcased the team’s offensive potential and balanced attack.
Key Loss: A 31-28 overtime loss to Missouri Western in November was a turning point, eliminating playoff hopes.
Rivalry Game: The Tigers lost to Pittsburg State 35-21, continuing a losing streak against their most storied rival.
Individual Performer: Running back Shawn Bane Jr. rushed for 1,023 yards, becoming the first FHSU player to surpass 1,000 yards since 2011.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 Fort Hays State Tigers compared to select MIAA teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game	Points Allowed
Fort Hays State	7-4	5-4	33.6	28.9
Northwest Missouri State	11-3	8-1	38.2	18.1
Pittsburg State	9-3	7-2	31.4	22.6
Missouri Western	7-4	6-3	34.1	25.8
Central Missouri	6-5	5-4	29.7	30.2

The data shows that while Fort Hays State matched Missouri Western in overall wins, they lagged in key areas like defensive efficiency and conference performance. Northwest Missouri State, the eventual conference champion and national runner-up, dominated both offensively and defensively. The Tigers’ scoring was competitive, but their defense ranked in the bottom half of the MIAA, which ultimately hindered playoff contention.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a transitional year that highlighted both progress and areas needing improvement for Fort Hays State football. It served as a foundation for future development under Chris Brown’s leadership.

Program Growth: The season demonstrated steady improvement under Chris Brown, with increased offensive production and player development.
Recruiting Impact: Strong individual performances, like Shawn Bane Jr.’s 1,000-yard season, helped boost recruiting visibility in regional talent markets.
Stadium Atmosphere: Lewis Field Stadium saw increased attendance during key games, reflecting growing fan engagement.
Conference Competitiveness: The Tigers remained competitive in the MIAA, a conference known for its depth and national contenders.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, setting the stage for future roster strength.
Long-Term Goals: The season reinforced the need for defensive consistency to achieve postseason success in coming years.

The 2016 Fort Hays State Tigers season may not have ended with a playoff berth, but it provided critical momentum and lessons that contributed to the program’s long-term trajectory in NCAA Division II football.