BY FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
WICHITA, Kan. – The 22nd-ranked Fort Hays State wrestling team dropped its final dual of the regular season on Wednesday (Jan. 19), losing to Newman 26-14. The Tigers wrap up the dual season 5-7 overall and 1-3 in the MIAA while Newman improves to 5-3 on the year and 2-2 in league action.
Newman took control early with pins in each of the first two matches of the evening. Second-ranked Brandon Ball helped the Tigers turn things around with his 13th victory in as many tries this season, earning an 11-2 major decision against Baylor Newman. The senior recorded three takedowns and two escapes while picking up two penalty points and a ride time point, moving to 3-0 in MIAA duals this season.
The Jets responded with wins in each of the next four matches, taking a commanding 26-4 lead. Aryus Jones stopped the momentum with an impressive 6-0 victory over Nate Panagakis at 184 pounds. Jones took an early 2-0 lead with a first period takedown before preventing Panagakis from escaping for the duration of the second period. Jones upped the lead to 3-0 with a quick escape in the final period before grabbing a final takedown to secure the victory.
Jordan Davis added to the Tiger total with another decision at 197 pounds, outlasting Ivan Balavage, 9-7. The senior recorded takedowns in all three periods and added a pair of escapes and a ride time point to pick up his second MIAA dual win of the season.
A.J. Cooper moved to 3-1 in conference duals on the year with a dominant 8-0 victory over Thor Balavage. Cooper tallied a takedown in all three periods and added a quick escape in the third period before comfortably earning the ride time point.
The Tigers will return to Gross Memorial Coliseum to host the 2020 NCAA Division II Super Region 4 Championships on Sunday, March 1.
Newman 26, #22 Fort Hays State 14
125 | Jake Patch (Newman) over Colin Cole (Fort Hays State) (Fall 4:17)
133 | Tyler Lawley (Newman) over Dy’Juan Carney (Fort Hays State) (Fall 2:43)
141 | Brandon Ball (Fort Hays State) over Baylor Smith (Newman) (MD 11-2)
149 | Kevin Kissane (Newman) over Anthony Scantlin (Fort Hays State) (Dec 7-4)
157 | Mario Rodriguez (Newman) over Josh Lenker (Fort Hays State) (TF 19-4 7:00)
165 | Kendall Frame (Newman) over Conrad Vajnar (Fort Hays State) (Dec 10-3)
174 | JD Johnson (Newman) over Matt Hook (Fort Hays State) (Dec 10-6)
184 | Aryus Jones (Fort Hays State) over Nate Panagakis (Newman) (Dec 6-0)
197 | Jordan Davis (Fort Hays State) over Ivan Balavage (Newman) (Dec 9-7)
285 | A.J. Cooper (Fort Hays State) over Thor Balavage (Newman) (MD 8-0)