KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The 12th-ranked Fort Hays State wrestling team was picked third in the 2020-21 MIAA Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday by the league office.
Central Oklahoma topped the poll, picking up four first-place votes and 16 points. Nebraska-Kearney was listed second after receiving one first-place vote and 13 points. The Tigers received 10 points in the balloting process, with Newman fourth and Central Missouri in fifth rounding out the conference standings.
This year's roster includes 19 returners and six true freshmen. Included in that mix is two returning national qualifiers, one All-American and two seniors anchoring the lineup. Returning national qualifiers include Mason Turner, an All-American last season and the second-ranked wrestler at 125 pounds in the preseason, and Marty Verhaeghe, who entered his senior season ranked sixth at 174 pounds. Senior A.J. Cooper, another anchor in the Tiger lineup at 285 pounds, is ranked 10th nationally in the preseason NWCA poll.
After three weeks of non-conference duals in January, Fort Hays State is scheduled to wrestle each conference school once. The Tigers will host Central Missouri and Newman on January 29 and 31, respectively, before traveling to face off with Central Oklahoma and Nebraska-Kearney in February.
At this time, the Super Region 4 Championships are set for February 27 in Edmond, Okla. with the NCAA Division II Championships to follow March 12-13.
2020-21 MIAA Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Oklahoma (4) - 16 points
2. Nebraska Kearney (1) - 13 points
3. Fort Hays State - 10 points
4. Newman - 7 points
5. Central Missouri - 4 points
--MIAA--