By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
WICHITA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State wrestling team defeated 24th-ranked Newman in Thursday’s MIAA opener by a score of 24-21 (Jan. 27). Jet forfeits at the 133-, 141-, 184- and 285-pound weight classes were enough to propel the Tigers (4-5, 1-0 MIAA) to victory. The Jets (3-2, 0-1 MIAA) picked up five decisions and one pin in the remaining six matches.
The Jets took the 125-pound match as D’Andre Brown picked up a reversal in the third period to secure an 8-3 decision over Broderick Green. Tom VanValkenberg and Cole Zebley accepted forfeits at their weights to put the Tigers ahead 12-3. The Jets would take the next three matches with decisions 5-3, 5-2, and 6-3 before taking an 18-12 lead with a second-period pin at 174 pounds. Another forfeit at 184 pounds tied things up at 18 before a late reversal and takedown gave Ivan Balavage a 4-2 decision against No. 12 Tereus Henry, putting the Jets in front 21-18. Tony Caldwell sealed the victory for the Tigers with a forfeit at 285.
The Tigers will be back in action next Saturday (Feb. 5) when they host No. 1 Central Oklahoma at 7 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.
Fort Hays State 24, #24 Newman 21
125 – D’Andre Brown over Broderick Green (Dec 8-3)
133 – Tom VanValkenburg over Unknown (Forfeit)
141 – Cole Zebley over Unknown (Forfeit)
149 – Garrett Lange over Cason Lindsey (Dec 5-3)
157 – Jace Fisher over Anthony Scantlin (Dec 5-2)
165 – #5 Kameron Frame over Cody Hicks (Dec 6-3)
174 – JD Johnson over Aidan Johnson (Fall 4:43)
184 – #8 Marty Verhaeghe over Unknown (Forfeit)
197 – Ivan Balavage over #12 Tereus Henry (Dec 4-2)
285 – Tony Caldwell over Unknown (Forfeit)