The Wyoming Cowboys Wrestling team had an impressive win against the Utah Valley Wolverines, winning 26-6. Eight Cowboys picked up wins, with one tied 2-2 with Utah Valley.
“We had more grit today, which set the tone for us. Overall improved, and some of it was forced and did not come naturally, but I appreciated that they recognized it and put a lot more effort in today,” Head Wrestling Coach Mark Branch said.
Opening the dual strong at 197 pounds, Cowboy Tyce Raddon went up against Jack Forbes. After an intense fight, Raddon ended his match 6-3, winning a victory for the Cowboys. This was Raddon’s first dual win as a Cowboy.
UW’s Jore Volk, ranked 22nd in the NCAA standings at 125 pounds, won 11-1 against Kase Mauger. Volk hastened his efforts and quickly won his victory.
Poke Garrett Ricks made an impressive win over Kobe Nelms. With no score during the second period, Ricks ended his third period in a 10-2 victory.
Wyoming’s Job Greenwood battled Ty Smith in a close match ending 7-6. After a rough start to the match, Greenwood made many offensive moves that ultimately led to his win.
At 157 pounds, Cowboy Jacob Wright faced Tyson Humphreys. At the very end of the third period, Wright made a takedown giving him a 6-4 victory. This was Wright’s 97th career win.
Winning 8-4 against Tanner Lofthouse, 165-pound Poke Cole Moody fought bravely and scored three takedowns which earned him his win.
With less than 30 seconds to go, at 174 pounds, UW’s Brett McIntosh won over Mark Takara with a takedown earning him a victory of 4-3.
With the last match of the day at 184 pounds, Cowboy Quayin Short gained a 7-1 victory for the Pokes against Hon Rushton. This ended the wrestling match with a score of 26-6.
“It is good to have a win, and this team needed a win. It is something to build on, and we will be looking to get better every day,” Branch said.
This was the Poke’s second to last home match, with the Pokes hosting Northern Colorado on Sunday, Feb. 5, celebrating a winning season.
