WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Central Missouri Mules wrestling won five of 10 weight classes on its way to an 18-17 victory over the Fort Hays State Tigers in an MIAA dual Sunday, Feb. 13, on Senior Day inside the Multipurpose Building.

The Mules (6-8, 2-2 MIAA) are scheduled to compete in the NCAA-II Super Regionals Feb. 26-27 in St. Charles, Mo. 

After falling behind early, 8-0, Thomas Hancock picked up UCM's opening victory of the evening via a Fort Hays State forfeit at 141 pounds before Darick Lapaglia posted a 6-2 decision over the Tigers Cason Lindsey at 149 pounds, putting the Mules in front, 9-8. 

No. 16 John Ridle continued his stellar 2021-22 season, improving to 19-3 overall after earning a 6-5 decision against Fort Hays State Anthony Scantlin at 157 pounds, inching the Central Missouri advantage to 12-8.  

Emmett Kuntz won via decision at 165 pounds to build the UCM lead to 15-8, before Austin Morgan downed Aidan Johnson at 174 pounds with a 3-2 decision, upping the Central Missouri lead to 18-8. 

Fort Hays State pushed back in the last three matches with Martin Verhaeghe over Roger Carranco with a 7-1 decision to put the Tigers at 18-11. Tereus Henry won a 10-3 decision over Joseph Swanson at 197 pounds to pull the Tigers within 18-14. Fort Hays State fell short of the comeback, however, as AJ Cooper was only able to muster a 1-0 decision over Collin Braun at 285 pounds, sealing the 18-17 triumph for the Mules. 

Central Missouri 18, Fort Hays State 17
125: Broderick Green (FHS) over Trevor Wishne (UCM) (TF 16-0 3:46)
133: Rhett Koppes (FHS) over Terrell Carter-Williams (UCM) (Dec 8-4)
141: Thomas Hancock (UCM) over (FHS) (For.)
149: Darick Lapaglia (UCM) over Cason Lindsey (FHS) (Dec 6-2)
157: John Ridle (UCM) over Anthony Scantlin (FHS) (Dec 6-5)
165: Emmett Kuntz (UCM) over Cody Hicks (FHS) (Dec 5-4)
174: Austin Morgan (UCM) over Aidan Johnson (FHS) (Dec 3-2)
184: Martin Verhaeghe (FHS) over Roger Carranco (UCM) (Dec 7-1)
197: Tereus Henry (FHS) over Joseph Swanson (UCM) (Dec 10-3)
285: AJ Cooper (FHS) over Collin Braun (UCM) (Dec 1-0)