KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team was picked fourth in the 2026-27 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday (Oct. 23) by the conference office. The Tigers collected 16 points through the balloting process, tied for fourth with first-year program Northeastern State.

Fort Hays State returns 18 student-athletes, while seventh-year head coach Erik Wince added 10 newcomers this season, including nine freshmen and one transfer. Kaden Markley returns at 157 pounds after leading the team with 15 bonus-point victories last season. Senior Cash Thomas (157) led the Tigers with six technical falls a year ago, while fellow senior Kolton Field (141) posted a team-high five major decisions. 

The Tigers open the season Sunday (Nov. 1) with a road conference dual against Ouachita Baptist. FHSU will first compete at home on November 13 when the Tigers host Northeastern State, Sioux Falls and CSU-Pueblo in a quad.

2026-27 MIAA WRESTLING
PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Nebraska Kearney [6] – 36 points
2. Central Oklahoma [1] – 31 points
3. Central Missouri – 26 points
T4. Fort Hays State – 16 points
T4. Northeastern State – 16 points
6. Ouachita – 13 points
7. Newman – 9 points 
[#] - Number of First Place Votes