FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL ON FEBRUARY 9 FOR FHSU VS GRAND CANYON; PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND CODY BICKLEY POST-DUAL RECEPTION

Fort Hays State University head wrestling Coach Cody Bickley earned his 55th all-time dual victory when the Tigers defeated Newman University last Friday in Wichita by a 26-12 score. The win made Bickley the new all-time wins leader in the history of the Fort Hays State wrestling program. He surpassed Dave Winter, who earned 54 all-time dual victories when he coached the Tigers from 1963-70. Bickley, now in his eighth season as coach of the Tigers, has an overall dual record of 55-40-5 and owns a 25-18-1 all-time dual record against the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).

In honor of Coach Bickley’s milestone victory, the Fort Hays State Athletic Department is offering free admission to all Tiger fans for next Saturday’s dual against Grand Canyon University. Dual time is set for 7:00 p..m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum on February 9.

Under Coach Bickley’s leadership, the Tigers have qualified 35 individuals to the national tournament over the past seven seasons. The Tigers have qualified no less than three individuals each season since Cody became head coach. He has coached 12 NCAA Division II All-Americans at Fort Hays State, including two NCAA national runner-up finishers. He has also had the honor of coaching 30 NCAA Division II All-Academic team members at FHSU.

A native of Otis, Colorado, Cody wrestled for the Tiger program from 1993-97. He served as a team captain his sophomore, junior and senior seasons with the Tigers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from FHSU in 1997 and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from FHSU in 2000. He resides in Hays with his wife Lynette.

Dale Votapka will also be honored at intermission of this event. Mr. Votapka became Fort Hays State University's first All-American Wrestler in 1959.

We hope you will be able to join us for this special occasion honoring Coach Bickley and the late Dale Votapka.