LARAMIE, Wyo. (Jan. 13, 2017) – The University of Wyoming wrestling team (1-5, 1-1 Big 12) fell to No. 20 South Dakota State, 33-11 on Friday evening inside the UniWyo Sports Complex. The Pokes picked up bonus-point victories from junior Bryce Meredith and senior Drew Templeman, as well as a decision from junior Archie Colgan against the Jackrabbits (7-2, 3-0 Big 12).

"It certainly wasn't impressive by any means tonight," UW head coach Mark Branch said. "I appreciate the guys that did go out there and fight regardless of the score, but it was tough to start out the way we did. All week we tried to work on our toughness with hard workouts and conditioning. We will focus on what positives we can find and build off of that."

Following five-straight Jackrabbit wins, Templeman notched UW's first triumph of the dual with a 12-0 major decision over Ben Gillette. He raced out to an early advantage with a strong first period, and ultimately won over the Jackrabbit to try to steer the Pokes in the right direction. Templeman recorded a four-point nearfall early in the final period to further strengthen his lead and seal the win. The major was the fourth bonus-point victory for Templeman this season.

Meredith's fast start helped him to a 6-2 advantage after the first. He recorded three takedowns in the opening period before claiming one more in the second and then another in the final period. In the match, the Cheyenne native had an impressive 3:58 riding time when the clock hit zero. Meredith earned his 15th bonus-point win of the season with a 13-4 major over Isaac Andrade.

Colgan earned two takedowns in the opening period against Logan Peterson to take a 5-3 lead heading into the second frame. He was able to extend his lead with an escape and takedown in the second, before adding an additional takedown in the final period. Colgan's 10-5 decision over Peterson was the third and final win for UW on Friday night.

After a scoreless first period in the heavyweight match, senior Brandon Tribble had two escapes to stay tied and right in the mix with Alex Macki. Two stall warnings from Macki gave Tribble the additional point to force overtime. Macki then recorded an early takedown for the win, 5-3.  In the final match of the night, redshirt sophomore Branson Ashworth fell sudden victory to Luke Zilverberg. Ashworth's 1:56 riding time tied the score at six to force overtime. Zilverberg ultimately recorded a takedown in the second sudden victory to take the match by decision, 8-6.

The Pokes will be back in action on Sunday afternoon. UW will host Oregon State at 1 p.m. MT in the UniWyo Sports Complex.

Match-By-Match

174: David Kocer tech fall Chaz Polson, 23-3

184: Martin Mueller fall over PKyle Pope (6:56)

197: Nate Rotert fall over SNate Shaw (1:47)

285: Alex Macki decision over Brandon Tribble, 5-3

125: Drew Templeman major decision over Ben Gillette, 12-0

133: Seth Gross fall over Ronnie Stevens (2:14)

141: Bryce Meredith major decision over Isaac Andrade, 13-4

149: Alex Kocer major decision over Cole Mendenhall, 12-2

157: Archie Colgan decision over Logan Peterson, 10-5

165: Luke Zilverberg decision over Branson Ashworth in SV2, 8-6