The University of Wyoming wrestling team delivered a commanding 26-9 victory over Northern Colorado on Senior Day, capping off the regular season in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the UniWyo Sports Complex, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.
Graduate student Sam Mitchell, who joined the Cowboys just six months ago, had a standout moment in the final match of the dual. With Wyoming already securing the team win, fans erupted into chants of “Let’s go Sam,” urging him on in his heavyweight bout. Mitchell responded with a 5-1 decision over Jose Valdez, putting the finishing touch on Wyoming’s impressive performance.
“It was cool to get the crowd chanting,” said Wyoming head coach Mark Branch. “I love that they stuck around until the end and that they were getting behind Sam on Senior Day. I hope he recognizes how special our fans are because we know how special he’s been to us and our success this year.”
Mitchell was one of 10 seniors recognized before the dual. Two other seniors also claimed victories—Garrett Ricks (125 pounds) opened the match with a 5-3 decision over Bryson Valdez, while Cooper Voorhees (165 pounds) earned a 7-3 decision against Daishun Powe.
“Some of those guys got to go out there and finish their home career on the mat and get their hands raised, and I’m really proud of them,” Branch said. “We’ve been through a lot this season—injuries, adversity—but this was a great way to finish the regular season.”
The dual featured several standout performances, none bigger than No. 17 Jared Hill’s win at 157 pounds. Hill avenged an earlier-season loss by defeating No. 14 Vinny Zerban in tiebreaker-1, 3-1.
Ranked Cowboys Eddie Neitenbach (No. 25 at 184 pounds) and Joey Novak (No. 9 at 197 pounds) also delivered dominant wins, securing major decisions that helped clinch the team victory. Neitenbach overwhelmed AJ Heeg, 15-3, while Novak powered past Andrew Donahue, 16-2.
No. 19 Gabe Willochell (149 pounds) and Riley Davis (174 pounds) rounded out Wyoming’s individual victories. Willochell edged Benji Alanis, 2-0, and Davis secured a late takedown to defeat Clayton Ulrey, 4-1.
With the regular season complete, Wyoming turns its attention to the postseason. Many of the team’s younger wrestlers will compete in the Cowboy Shootout on February 23 before the squad heads to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the Big 12 Tournament on March 8-9.
Branch praised his team’s resilience, especially after bouncing back from a tough loss to Air Force.
“We didn’t have one guy today that didn’t go out and fight for the entire match,” he said. “I think they listened to the message on how to wrestle and how to compete.”
