Cupid’s Arrow Hits Campus Couples

By Jordan Stimpert
Staff writer
IG: @jordanstimpert

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Cupid’s arrows are filled with feelings of love. 

Approximately 69% of the U.S. population is in a committed relationship. Whether it be married (51%), living with a partner (11%), or a romantic relationship (8%). Three in 10 adults in America are single.

There are two roomies at Hutchinson Community College that happen to have been hit by Cupid’s arrow in the month of love.

Auburne Katz and Chase Combs

Auburne Katz, Turon freshman and studying pre-law with a minor in agriculture business, is in a relationship with Chase Combs, who hails from Plevna. These two have gone to the same school their whole lives, in the Fairfield district. They always would argue growing up and often disagree on many things. But, one day they sat together on the bus to a Future Farmers of America event and had a good talk and that was one of the first times they got along. 

These two then texted non-stop and were inseparable. Before they officially started dating, Combs would walk Katz to her classes, even if his class was on the opposite side of the school

Getting hit by the arrow a day early, these two started dating, Feb. 13, 2023.

With their anniversary and Valentine’s Day one after the other, they often celebrate the two as one. They go out to eat and spend a day together.

When they’re together, Katz is the passenger princess. These two are always together, whether it be on the field, in the gym, or at a show, they’re inseparable. 

Throughout high school, Katz was a cheerleader and was always on the sideline cheering Combs on. 

When it came to the barn, they were focused on the task at hand. Working as one, they prep the cattle and head to the arena. 

Katz doesn’t show the cattle, but she always stands by Combs’ side before and stands outside the arena giving him tips.

They strive to always communicate with each other and lift each other up when one is feeling down.

“Wen I’ve had a bad week he’ll get me a drink or a snack, or when we’ve both had a bad day we go check cows,” Katz said. 

Not only do these two love their cattle, but also watching the series “Landman” on Paramount, and listening to Treaty Oak Revival. 

You will never catch Katz missing one of Combs’ games no matter if it is a home or away game.

Kensley Blank and Aidan Johnson

Kensley Blank Kensington, freshman and studying respiratory care, is in a relationship with Aidan Johnson, from Ellsworth. Their love story is a little bit different. 

On Blank’s birthday in 2024 she received a notification on Snapchat saying, “Aidan Johnson has requested to be your friend.” It’s almost history from there. They talked over the next two months when Cupid’s arrow struck a week after Valentine’s Day.

These two started dating Feb. 26, 2025 Their plans for their first Valentine’s Day is to order food to the dorms and watch movies.

When together Blank is never in the driver seat – she is always the passenger princess. They love trying out new restaurants and exploring different cultures’ foods. They enjoy going to Hays and getting what is called a “Snow Ball,” a slush filled with many different flavors. Their favorite movie that they’ve watched together is the recently released “Zootopia 2”.

While in college living an hour apart and going to classes, they often call, but never hangup without saying, “I love you most of most always and forever.”

These are two campus couples that will be having a lot to celebrate this Valentine’s season. Who knows, other than Cupid, who could be next.

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