FARGO, N.D. (Jan. 20, 2018) – Eight Cowboys earned wins as the Wyoming (8-3, 2-2 Big 12) wrestling team defeated Big 12 foe North Dakota State, 32-6, on Saturday evening in Fargo, N.D. It was the fifth-straight win for UW in Fargo.

"I'm happy when looking at the team score," UW head coach Mark Branch said. "But we no doubt came out a little flat tonight. I think the some of the guys allowed the travel schedule to affect them. It was nice for a majority of our guys to get a win, but overall the energy was lacking a bit. It was awesome to finish the way we did. Dewey (Krueger) gave up 40 pounds, went out there and was impressive. It'll be nice to get back home into our regular routine. We need to start focusing on the end of the season and make sure we show up with the energy needed. All of the duals ahead will be tough, but we're looking forward to it."

No. 5 Montorie Bridges wasted no time in getting to No. 24 Cam Sykora at 133 pounds. He roared to a 14-4 major with six takedowns over the NCAA Qualifier. It became his fourth win against a ranked competitor in his redshirt freshman season. The major evened the dual at four after the first two bouts.

Bryce Meredith, holding the No. 1 ranking at 141 pounds, notched a pair of takedowns in the first period against Nico Colunga to set the tone. He was in control throughout and ultimately cruised to an 18-3 tech. fall for UW's second win of the evening. It was Meredith's second tech. fall this season and moved Wyoming out in front, 9-4.

At 149 pounds, No. 19 Sam Turner held on for a 6-3 decision over Kyle Gliva. Turner led the entire match and scored two takedowns, with two escapes for the victory. In the second of three matchups with both wrestlers ranked, No. 12 Archie Colgan used an escape and takedown to tie the match at three in the final period, but riding time gave the decision to No. 14 Clay Ream, a three-time NCAA Qualifier.

No. 14 Branson Ashworth faced No. 19 Andrew Fogarty after intermission. The junior came away with a 2-0 decision for his second win against a ranked opponent this season. Ashworth used an escape in the second period and riding time for the victory.

In an offensive showdown at 174 pounds, Kyle Pope withheld Charley Popp for an 11-10 decision. Pope used four takedowns on way to triumph. Chaz Polson made quick work of Cole Witzig at 184 pounds. Polson shined with an 18-2 tech. fall for his second Big 12 win.

Dewey Krueger bumped up to pounce Cordell Eaton at 197 pounds. The sophomore impressively pinned Eaton in the first period for what was his first win in conference action. Krueger now has wins at 157, 174 and 197 pounds this season. In the final bout of the night, all Sam Eagan needed was a takedown and escape for the 3-2 decision over Daniel Stibral. It was also his first Big 12 win this season.

The Brown and Gold will be back in action on Jan. 28. UW will welcome Fresno State for a 6 p.m. MT dual in the Arena-Auditorium.

Dual Results
125: Paul Bianchi major Drake Foster, 13-5 | NDSU 4, UW 0
133: #5 Montorie Bridges major #24 Cam Sykora, 14-4 | UW 4, NDSU 4
141: #1 Bryce Meredith tech. fall Nico Colunga, 18-3 | UW 9, NDSU 4
149: #19 Sam Turner dec. Kyle Gliva, 6-3 | UW 12, NDSU 4
157: #14 Clay Ream dec. #12 Archie Colgan, 4-3 | UW 12, NDSU 7
165: #16 Branson Ashworth dec. #19 Andrew Fogarty, 2-0 | UW 15, NDSU 7
174: Kyle Pope dec. Charley Popp, 11-10 | UW 18, NDSU 7
184: Chaz Polson tech. fall Cole Witzig, 18-2 | UW 23, NDSU 7
197: Dewey Krueger fall Cordell Eaton (1:42) | UW 29, NDSU 7
285: Sam Eagan dec. Daniel Stibral, 3-2 | UW 32, NDSU 6*
(*NDSU deducted one team point for unsportsmanlike conduct)