FHSU Athletics

Sand Plum Nature Trail was an adventure started by landowner Joseph Brungardt.  It was initially designed as a walking path/fitness trail for local Victoria residents.  The idea for a running course came up in April, 2012, when Fort Hays State University cross country coach Jason McCullough happened to be running near the trails.

The duo worked hard that summer and fall to create a running course that utilized the rolling farm landscape, maintained the integrity of the land, and captured the spirit of cross country running.  The first competition on the land took place when the FHSU Tiger Open occurred on October 6, 2012.  The race was a success.

Joe made several improvements and new additions to the course over the next several months as the 2013 cross country season neared.  Trails were widened.  Fences, flagpoles, benches, and other fixtures were added as well.  Mulch and drainage areas also helped the surface and footing of many new trails.

In late August, Sand Plum was host to the 27th Annual FHSU Alumni Run.  The course had gained attention from its 2012 meet, which resulted in a doubling of the attendance in 2013.  There were 24 teams and nearly 400 runners competing in the 2nd Annual FHSU Tiger Open @Sand Plum on October 12, 2013.

In 2014, the 3rd Annual FHSU Tiger Open @Sand Plum attracted 35 teams, over 540 competitors, and 16 nationally-ranked teams.  The races were divided into "Gold" and "Black" divisions to accommodate the increase in numbers.  Both course records went down on a gorgeous morning on October 18, 2014.  The 2015 and 2016 races saw record growth as well.  A record 41 teams competed in 2015, while the 2016 edition witnessed a record of 661 finishers between the four races.  The race increased in size again for the 2017 edition when 695 finishers traversed the muddy route after three inches of rain soaked the course overnight.

As the course continues to be modified and groomed, there are plans to add more meets to this Western Kansas venue.  There are very few courses in the Midwest that have the character of Sand Plum.  The numerous trails, like Summit Trail, Deer Trail, Sumac Trail, or Raccoon Pass all have unique and exciting characteristics.  The land also features newly-developed X-FIT areas that Joe has developed to fit into its overall landscape.

Sand Plum Nature Trail is indeed one of the finest courses in the Midwest.