The original story by Bud Denega for University of Wyoming Athletics.
The University of Wyoming wrestling team closed out the 2025 calendar year with a strong showing Sunday at the Reno Tournament of Champions, highlighted by two Cowboys climbing to the top of the podium inside the Reno Events Center.
Antonio Avila (149) and John Alden (141) both won individual titles, giving Wyoming the kind of headline finish you want heading into the holiday break.
Avila looked right at home in Reno again. The 71-pounder went 5-0, stacked up three bonus-point wins, and grabbed his second Reno TOC championship in as many years. He worked his way through the bracket with a pair of tech falls and a major before turning in steady decisions late, finishing with a 7-3 win over Elijah Larsen (Grand View) in the final.
Alden’s run had a similar vibe: five wins, three bonus-point victories, and a confident finish in the championship bout. The twist? His title match was Cowboy-on-Cowboy. Alden beat teammate David Saenz 9-2 in a “Poke versus Poke” final to lock down the 141-pound crown after rolling through the early rounds with tech falls.
Saenz still had a huge weekend himself, taking second at 141 and landing in the top five along with three other Wyoming wrestlers. Gunner Henry (197) powered his way to third, while Isaiah Harrison (125) and Lane Foard (174) both battled back to take fifth.
Overall, Wyoming posted a 40-14 record across the tournament, and every Cowboy who competed picked up at least two wins — the kind of depth that usually matters a lot once January hits.
Next up: Wyoming gets right back after it Jan. 3-4 at the Soldier Salute Tournament at Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
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