UW’s wrestling team recently welcomed three new members to compete next season. The new Cowboys include Zach Beard from Tuttle, Okla., Finn Higgins from Heritage Hall, Okla., and Kyle Pope from Bakersfield, Calif.
Beard enters his collegiate career having won a state-champion title three years running. He also is a two-time Mid-America Nationals champion and a Fila Cadet Nationals/World Team Trials runner up. Additionally, he was a USAW Asics Folkstyle and Freestyle national champion and won the title at the 2012 USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals, according to the athletics department.
“Beard is a great pickup for us. He is one of the top recruits in the nation, regardless of weight,” Branch said. “He really exemplifies the breakthroughs we’re getting in recruiting. He was a highly sought after kid and we stayed persistent. It’s been hard to recruit in Oklahoma with the competition we have there, so it is rewarding to be able to snag two in one signing period. Zach has succeeded at the highest levels at several national tournaments.”
Higgins, at 6-feet 3-inches and 197-pounds, comes to Laramie having been a two-time state champion in Oklahoma. Though he has not had a lot of recognition throughout his athletic career, Branch believes that Higgins will develop a lot through his time competing at UW.
“He’s a kid with a big frame, and a great kid with great values and great academics,” Branch said. “He hadn’t proven himself on the national scene, but I feel like he is just hitting his stride and starting to develop. He’s a kid who has a huge upside, in my opinion.”
Pope brings the skill set needed to compete at a Division I level after he finished second in California during 2011 championships. Other athletic reports stated that Pope also finished third at the Reno Tournament of Champions last season.
“He [Pope] was a kid who we knew was going to fit in here and he knows firsthand what it takes to succeed at the Division I level,” Branch said. “Kyle has competed in one of the toughest states in the nation and against the best opposition, so I think he will be seasoned to make an impact for our team.”
It should be an interesting season for the Cowboys wrestling team as it adds three new members to its roster. Branch is not finished recruiting, however, and hopes to add more athletes as the spring season approaches.
