Kearney, Neb. – The 3rd-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team won six of the first seven matches to beat 15th-ranked Fort Hays State, 21-14, Friday night in Cushing Coliseum.
 
The Lopers improve to 5-6 (2-0) while the Tigers drop to 6-6 (2-2).
 
This also was head coach Marc Bauer's 200th dual win at UNK (200-78). That mark includes a super 84-12 record in RMAC or MIAA duals.
 
Central City junior Connor Bolling used three takedowns and a second period escape to start the night with a 7-4 win. Top-ranked Daniel DeShazer controlled the 133 lbs. match, earning a point of riding time and having two takedowns to win 5-3 over Anthony Calderon.
 
Seventh-ranked Destin McCauley (North Sioux City, S.D.) pushed the Kearney lead to 11-3 as he tallied 17 first period points at 149 lbs. The onslaught featured 11 near fall points and three takedowns.
 
Two classes later, junior Devin Aguirre (Ponca City, Okla.) had six near fall points in the second period to major Kregg Clarke, 14-2. Finally, Chadron redshirt freshman Chance Bila had a reversal and some riding time to win 11-6 at 174 lbs.
 
After hosting Midland on "Senior Night" tomorrow, UNK stays in the MIAA next week with road duals at 10th-ranked Lindenwood and Newman.