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Panthers' Makenzie Premer signs with Fort Hays State
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Fort Hays State track/cross country signee Makenzie Premer is joined by her mother Mandi, Premer her father Chad Premer and her brothers Alec Premer and Ian Premer.

HAYS -- Great Bend's Makenzie Premer, one of the most versatile athletes in recent Panther history signed a scholarship offer Friday with Fort Hays State to compete in track and field and cross country.

Premer's ability in track and cross country is virtually unmatched, running everything from the 100-meter hurdles to 3.1 miles in cross country. She's placed at 5A state in the 100-meter hurdles (fourth, fifth) and 300-meter hurdles (runner-up, runner-up) and ran legs on a state champion 1,600-meter relay (4:03.85) and a third-place 400-meter state relay.

The 2022 1,600-meter relay clinched the 5A state runner-up trophy for the Panthers 67-66 over Wichita Kapaun-Mt. Carmel. Premer was followed by Eliana Beckham, Sadie Spray and Kara Feist in the most exciting race of the 2022 Kansas state meet. The Panthers have swept three consecutive Western Athletic track titles.

In 2023, Premer competed for the WAC volleyball champions (31-5) and substate runner-up while doubling as a cross country runner. Premer placed third in the WAC (15:26.75) as the Panthers won their third consecutive WAC title. The Panthers won their third consecutrive 5A regional. Great Bend finished runner-up behind Lenexa St. James. Premer placed 75th.