Last year, Cowboy Wrestling went toe to toe with Campbell University in the “Battle in the Barn”, a dual at Deerwood Ranch in Centennial that was put on by UFC Fight Pass. The Camels got the best of the Pokes last fall, but the Cowboys will have a chance to redeem themselves when they open their 2024 campaign.
On Thursday, Oct. 31, the Cowboys are set to host the Camels once more, this time in the “Dual at the Daddy”, another UFC run match, this time at Frontier Park, home of Cheyenne Frontier Days, the “Daddy of ‘em all”.
Ahead of their season, head coach Mark Branch discussed his team and the standards he holds his athletes to.
“When we started the school year, we as a coaching staff felt more secure and confident than we have in a while,” Branch said. “We’re really excited about what we’re going to be able to do this season.”
With this confidence, Branch was sure to reinforce his beliefs to the team. “It doesn’t do much good for us to believe if the guys don’t believe it,” he said. “So that’s why you have to start from day one and really deliver that message as to why they should.”
Along with 9 returning starters, the Cowboys bring in a handful of freshmen and transfers that Branch believes will push his team to a new level.
“One thing that we’ve severely lacked in the last couple years is depth…so [the freshmen and transfers] give us a sense of stability,” he said. “Some of our veterans were nervous about competing against these young kids [in practice], and that shows you that they are pushing our starters,” he continued.
The key athlete to keep an eye on is junior Jore Volk, who competes at 125. Volk put together a strong sophomore campaign, finishing 7th in the NCAA Championships and becoming an All-American. This season, he looks to build on his accomplishments and is already recognized as one of the top in his weight class in the preseason rankings.
Other NCAA hopefuls include returning starters Joey Novak and Gabe Willochell, along with transfers Jared Hill and Sam Mitchell, all of whom have gained experience at the NCAA tournament.
At the time of reporting, the Cowboys had yet to compete with Campbell in their season opener, but Branch shared his thoughts and expectations ahead of the competition.
“Our teams match up on paper, almost identically,” Branch said. “They beat us here last year, but we have added that experience and I think we are a different team.”
“They are also a different team, and that’s something that you wish you had more knowledge on,” Branch admitted. “You just have to believe in your guys.”
“This is a big showcase for our program and who [the athletes] are as individuals, and something to be excited about,” Branch concluded.
Results from Thursday’s dual will be available online, and the team competes in their home opener against Western Wyoming in the UniWyo Sports Complex on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.
