By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State men’s wrestling team was picked to finish third according to the 2023-24 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday (Oct. 27) by the league office.
The Tigers tied for third with Central Missouri in the poll, garnering 15 points in the balloting process. Defending national champions Central Oklahoma tops the standings with 25 points, earning all five possible first-place votes (coaches do not list their own program on their ballot). 2022 national champ Nebraska-Kearney is second with 21 points and the remaining first-place selection. Newman and conference newcomer Ouachita Baptist are tied for fifth with seven points each.
Fort Hays State finished third in the league standings last year, going 2-2 in conference duals. The Tigers return all three of their All-MIAA competitors from last season, including first teamers Tereus Henry (197 pounds) and Jacob Mitchell (141 pounds) and second team honoree Cade Lindsey (174 pounds).
Erik Wince is entering his fourth season at the helm in 2023-24. His athletes have earned five All-America honors, five All-MIAA selections, four dual wins over nationally ranked opponents and 15 NWCA scholar All-America recipients.
The Tigers are slated to begin their 2023-24 campaign next Friday (Nov. 3) in Greeley, Colo. with a pair of duals against New Mexico Highlands and Northern Colorado. FHSU will compete at home three times this season, including the annual Bob Smith Open on Saturday, December 2 and conference duals against Nebraska-Kearney (February 9, 7 p.m.) and Central Oklahoma (February 17, 2 p.m.).
2023-24 MIAA Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Oklahoma [5] – 25 points
2. Nebraska Kearney [1] – 21 points
T3. Fort Hays State – 15 points
T3. Central Missouri – 15 points
T5. Newman – 7 points
T5. Ouachita Baptist – 7 points
[#] = First Place Votes