FHSU Athletics
MANHEIM, Pa. - Fort Hays State's Matthew Rodriguez will open his junior season ranked 12th nationally at 184 pounds, announced Thursday by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
Rodriguez had a strong sophomore campaign for the Tigers, reaching the NCAA Division II Championships after going 4-1 and placing third at the Super Region VI Championships. The Salina, Kan. native finished the season 16-19 overall, improving his career record to 49-46 at FHSU.
The Tigers are receiving votes in the team rankings, accumulating two points based on Rodriguez' ranking. Fort Hays State is one of 48 schools with least one wrestler listed in the rankings. Defending national champions Nebraska-Kearney top the team ranking with 73 points and eight ranked individuals, while second-ranked Lander is the only school with an individual mentioned at all 10 weight classes.
Out of the 18 competitors that reached the 2025 National Championships at 184 pounds, Rodriguez is one of just eight that return to competition at that weight this season. Eight national qualifiers graduated, while two project to change weight classes this season.
Rodriguez and the rest of the Tigers are set to open the season next month (Nov. 8) when they travel to Mitchell, S.D. for the Dakota Wesleyan Open. FHSU will first compete at home when the Tigers host Colorado School of Mines and Ouachita Baptist in a tri-dual on December 6 before hosting the Bob Smith Open the following day.