By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men’s Wrestling was picked fourth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll for the 2024-25 season. The Tigers placed third in the dual standings in 2023-24.
Defending national champion Central Oklahoma was picked No. 1 in the poll. The Bronchos were a perfect 15-0 in dual action last year before going on to win the team national title at the NCAA Championships. Nebraska-Kearney is No. 2 in the poll, followed by Central Missouri at No. 3.
The only difference in the poll from how the standings finished last year is Central Missouri at No. 3 and Fort Hays State at No. 4. FHSU finished third last year, followed by UCM in fourth. The Tigers doubled up the Mules in the head-to-head dual last year by a score of 32-16.
The Tigers return eight wrestlers who recorded at least 10 wins last year. Two of those eight reached at least 20, which included team leader Tereus Henry with 27 and Riah Ostrander with 20. Henry was FHSU’s lone national qualifier last year. He was an All-America performer in 2022-23 when he finished third.
The Tigers open their season on November 2 at the Friends University Falcon Invitational in Wichita. Their first dual will be at home on November 7 against Southeast (Neb.) Community College.
Below is the MIAA Preseason Wrestling Coaches Poll for 2024-25.
2024-25 MIAA WRESTLING PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Central Oklahoma [5] – 25 points
2. Nebraska Kearney [1] – 21 points
3. Central Missouri – 16 points
4. Fort Hays State – 13 points
5. Ouachita – 8 points
6. Newman – 7 points
[#] – Number of First-Place Votes