From Las Vegas to the Plains: Chris Armstrong Named New Fort Hays Tech Northwest Softball Coach

Photo taken from fhnw.edu

Fort Hays Tech Northwest has a new leader at the helm of its softball program — and his journey to Goodland is one you won’t forget.

Chris Armstrong, the new head softball coach for the Tigers, joined Rollie Halligan on the Good Neighbor Hour February 19th to introduce himself to the community. And let’s just say… his welcome to Western Kansas was unforgettable.

A Snowy First Impression

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Armstrong had never experienced snow before moving to Goodland.

His first morning here? He opened his apartment door, saw snow covering the ground, closed the door, and called Rory.

“There’s snow on the ground,” he said.

Rory’s response? “Yeah… come to work.”

And just like that, Coach Armstrong got his crash course in Western Kansas weather — wind, cold, and all.

A Lifetime in Athletics

While he now leads a softball program, Armstrong’s athletic background began in baseball. He played baseball from age five through high school, also competing in football and wrestling.

After high school, he played two years at Victor Valley Junior College before transferring to UNLV, continuing his baseball career in his hometown of Las Vegas.

Coaching followed. Armstrong spent 17 years coaching high school athletics — baseball, wrestling, and softball — before stepping into the college ranks.

His connection to Fort Hays Tech Northwest began when the previous softball coach recruited his daughter. Armstrong came to Goodland as an assistant coach — and when the head coaching position opened, he stepped into the role.

Now, he’s officially leading the Tigers.

A Young, Exciting Team

Coach Armstrong’s squad is youthful but full of potential.

The team currently carries 14–15 players, with only three to four sophomores and the rest freshmen. The roster brings a strong mix of talent from Kansas and beyond — including players from Augusta, Hays, Utah, Oklahoma, Samoa, and even Las Vegas.

“We’re young, strong, and we hit the ball well,” Armstrong shared. “Right now, we just need innings and growth together as a unit.”

The Tigers recently opened their season against Lamar and are scheduled to compete at MidAmerica Nazarene in Olathe as the season continues.

Focused and Ready

This marks Armstrong’s first head coaching position at the collegiate level — but with nearly two decades of coaching experience, he’s more than ready.

After years of juggling multiple sports, he’s now focused solely on softball.

“One sport now,” he joked on air. “I can focus on one sport.”

From desert heat to prairie wind, Coach Armstrong is embracing the change — and the community.

Western Kansas weather may still surprise him, but one thing is certain: the future of Fort Hays Tech Northwest softball is in passionate, experienced hands.

Be sure to catch Tiger softball this season and help welcome Coach Armstrong to Goodland.