Kearney Athlete Commits to Fort Hays State

KEARNEY – A local Kearney product will head to the heated rival of the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers.

Karter Lee, a Kearney High School Bearcat three-sport athlete, has announced his commitment to the Fort Hays State Tigers Football program.

Lee has been a standout for Bearcat athletics, becoming a varsity starter for the football, basketball, and baseball programs. The senior was a two-year starter at wide receiver and defensive back on the gridiron, a two-year starter at the point guard on the hardwood, and playing shortstop and second base for the Kearney High Baseball and Runza Senior legion teams.

Lee’s junior season – paired with teammates Zander Reuling and quarterback Treyven Beckman – aided in breaking passing game records for the Bearcats. Lee contributed 31 catches for 544 receiving yards and eight touchdowns through the air. He was also key in the return game, taking seven kickoffs for 218 return yards and a touchdown. Defensively, he added eighteen tackles with three fumble recoveries.

His senior season had as many highlights, including 21 catches for 334 receiving yards and four scores. Lee also had another eighteen tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown against Norfolk.

Currently, the senior is the starting point guard for the Kearney Boys Basketball team averaging 6.3 points per game with 68 assists through twelve games.

Lee has stated that he is expected to join the Tigers Football program as a receiver. Fort Hays State ended 7-4 last season, including a home win on Oct. 14, 2023 over UNK 31-17. The Tigers averaged 148 passing yards per contest.