FHSU Athletics

Track & Field/Cross Country (1970-73)
Jim Birnbaum, native of WaKeeney, Kansas, was an All-America performer in both cross country and track and field at Fort Hays State and was an individual National Champion in the 3000-meter steeplechase. He competed for three years at FHSU. In 1972, Birnbaum finished fourth at the NAIA Championship to earn All-America honors with a 5-mile time of 24:56. He helped FHSU to two conference championships in cross country. In the spring of 1972, Birnbaum earned All-America honors for indoor track and field as a member of the 2-mile relay team that placed third at the national meet. Later that spring, he was the national champion in the 3000-meter steeplechase, earning All-America honors for the outdoor season. In the spring of 1973, he earned indoor All-America honors in the mile and outdoor All-America honors in the steeplechase. He helped FHSU Track and Field to three straight conference championships from 1971 to 1973. Overall, Birnbaum was a five-time All-American at FHSU in cross country and track and field combined.