By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KEARNEY, Neb. – Three wrestlers representing Fort Hays State earned top four finishes in a loaded field at the UNK Younes Hospitality Open Saturday. Anthony Scantlin placed third in the Elite 157 bracket, while A.J. Cooper (Elite 285) and Aryus Jones (Elite 184) both placed fourth in their divisions.
Anthony Scantlin placed third after a 4-1 record on the day. He opened the with a 4-3 decision over Walker Johnson of host Nebraska-Kearney before picking up a second period pin in his second bout of the day. After a narrow defeat in the semifinals, Scantlin captured decisions in his next two matches in the consolation bracket to take home third place.
A.J. Cooper recorded four wins on the day en route to a fourth-place finish at 285 pounds. The junior opened the day with a 6-1 decision before falling in the second round via a 6-2 decision. Cooper got back on track with a first period pin before picking up a 12-3 major decision win. He advanced to the final bout in the consolation bracket with an 8-6 consolation win before taking fourth via forfeit.
Aryus Jones earned a fourth-place finish in the Elite 184 pound bracket after a 3-2 day on the mat. Jones opened the day with a loss via fall in the second period before three-straight backside wins. The sophomore knocked off a pair of Orediggers from Colorado School of Mines via decision, 12-7 and 4-2, before advancing to the third-place bout following a 16-5 major decision. Jones came up short in the final match of the day, falling 7-0 to take home fourth place.
Jordan Davis turned in a 2-2 record in the Elite 285 competition, with both of his wins coming via pin. Efe Osaghae finished 1-2 in the Elite 174 bracket, dropping a pair of matches to Division I opponents. Marty Verhaeghe compiled a 3-2 record in the Elite 174 bracket, including one win via pin. Two Tigers competed in the Amateur division, with Clint Herrick finishing 1-2 at 194 pounds and Josh Lenker finishing 0-2 at 157 pounds.
The Tigers will return to action in two weeks when they host the annual FHSU-Bob Smith Open on Saturday, Dec. 7. Competition is set to begin at 9 a.m.