By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
After bringing home seven championships and 31 placements during the Open portion of the season, the 19th-ranked Fort Hays State wrestling team kicks off its dual season against No. 14 UNC Pembroke Wednesday evening (Jan. 8) in Hays. The first match is set to begin at 6 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.
A.J. Cooper (285) leads the Tigers with 20 wins on the season, entering the week 20-7 on the year. Eight of his wins have come via pin. Anthony Scantlin (149) ranks second on the team with 17 victories on the year, including four pins and three tech falls. Marty Verhaeghe has captured 15 wins on the season thanks to four pins, one major decision, nine decisions and one win in sudden victory.
Three Tigers are slated to make their season debut Wednesday, including Brandon Ball, the second-ranked wrestler at 141 pounds, Tristan Porsch (157) and Conrad Vajnar (165).
While the Tigers have yet to meet up with another team in a dual format, the Braves come into Hays with a 6-5 dual record on the season. UNC Pembroke is led by Nick Daggett, ranked No. 3 at 125 pounds, and Jon Miller, ranked fifth at 141 pounds.
The projected Fort Hays State lineup can be found below.
125 | Collin Cole (1-2)
133 | Dy’Juan Carney (6-5)
141 | No. 2 Brandon Ball (0-0)
149 | Anthony Scantlin (17-7) OR Josh Lenker (0-8)
157 | Tristan Porsch (0-0)
165 | Conrad Vajnar (0-0)
174 | Marty Verhaeghe (15-8)
184 | Aryus Jones (12-5)
197 | Tyler Boone (4-3)
285 | A.J. Cooper (20-7)