FHSU Athletics
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling senior Cason Lindsey turned in a 1-2 record at the 2026 NCAA Division II Championship on Friday. Lindsey finishes the year 17-7 overall and turns in a career record of 58-35.
Competing in the 165-pound national bracket, the Derby, Kan. native opened the day against fourth-ranked Grant MacKay of Gannon. Neither wrestler was able to secure a takedown in the match, with both earning quick escapes in the second and third rounds. The score remained 1-1 after both sudden victory rounds and the tiebreaker round, sending things to the ultimate tiebreaker. Lindsey started on bottom and nearly escaped twice but was ultimately unable to earn another point. MacKay then chose neutral and was able to stay upright for the final 30 seconds, with Lindsey nearly scoring a takedown with a single leg that was defended, giving MacKay the tiebreak win with riding time.
Lindsey then faced off with Kole Marko of Minnesota State in the first round of the consolation bracket. Lindsey opened the scoring with a takedown late in the first period, taking a 3-0 lead. Marko managed a pair of escapes to close within 3-2 early in the second before Lindsey was given the escape point to start the third period. Both competitors took good shots in the final period but neither were able to convert. Lindsey was given a pair of stall warnings to award Marko an additional point with 13 seconds to go, but was able to hold on for the 4-3 decision.
He then drew Nate Barrett of Ashland in the blood round, with Barrett taking an early 3-0 lead with a quick takedown. Lindsey escaped quickly before racking up a pair of first-period takedowns, establishing a 7-5 lead. Barrett regained the lead with a takedown with 20 seconds remaining in the second period, holding on for the final 21 seconds. Lindsey quickly escaped to start the third, closing within 9-8, but Barrett sealed a 12-8 decision with a takedown with 23 seconds remaining.