FHSU Athletics

Bob and Pat Schmidt have been major contributors to Fort Hays State Athletics and the community of Hays for numerous years. The couple is part of the FHSU Athletic Difference Makers, the most elite club of donors to Fort Hays State Athletics. Mr. Schmidt was the Director of KAYS Radio from 1952 to 1989 and grew his enterprise into what is now known as Eagle Communications. His company now owns and operates 25 radio stations and 30 cable companies in four states offering internet, video and voice service. He was the very first "Voice of the Tigers" from 1948 to 1952. He retired as President and CEO of Eagle Communications in 1998 and now supervises the management of the Sweetwater Ranch in Ellis County. He is a past Chairman of the CBS Television Network Affiliates Association and the national Associated Press Broadcasters Association. He was also a former Chairman of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. He was inducted to the Hays Hall of Fame in 2003 and received the Alumni Achievement Award for Public Service from FHSU in 1973. He has also been a recipient of the Hays "Most Valuable Citizen Award" and "Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award". Most recently, Bob and Pat have been major donors for the new indoor training facility for FHSU Athletics and the new recreation complex currently under construction for the city of Hays and Fort Hays State's new soccer programs, coming in 2011-12. Bob is a native of LaCrosse, Kan., and Pat is a native of Kinsley, Kan.