LARAMIE, Wyo. (Jan. 27, 2018) – Wyoming (9-3, 3-2 Big 12) easily handled visiting Fresno State in the Arena-Auditorium on Saturday evening. The Pokes won eight of the ten bouts, including four pins, to roll to a 40-6 victory. The dual was the 96th win for head coach Mark Branch at the helm of Cowboy wrestling.

Additionally, the last time UW put 40 points on the board was on Feb. 7, 2014 against Northern Colorado, where the Pokes won 41-6. It is also the eighth time in Branch's tenure that UW has scored 40 or more points in a dual.

"It was exciting tonight," Branch said. "We put in a full week of practice, so I was a little worried we'd show up sluggish. We came out ready to go and added bonus points. I was obviously happy with how we started, it set the tone for the night. We had a number of guys that were impressive out there. This team knows to keep the mindset of being prepared and ready to go. I think that showed tonight. I liked our focus, and we understand it doesn't get easier as the season progresses."

The dual began at 125 where sophomore Drake Foster fell behind early in the first period only to work his way back for third-period pin over Sean Williams. It was the fourth pin for Foster this season, and first against Big 12 competition. Montorie Bridges added a pin over Trevor Williams at 133 pounds. There was never any doubt as the No. 4 ranked wrestler earned the first-period pin. The fall was Bridges' fourth-straight bonus-point victory.

Senior Bryce Meredith, No. 1 at 141 pounds, followed suit with a pin of his own against Chris DeLoza. Two takedowns and near fall points quickly put the match out of reach, but Meredith earned the first-period takedown to give Wyoming an 18-0 lead.

At 157 pounds, No. 12 Archie Colgan, earned a 16-1 tech fall over Greg Gaxiola. Colgan never fell behind as he scored a takedown in the first period and added near fall points in the second. He ultimately added two more takedowns and a four-point near fall on his way to the victory.

Branson Ashworth tallied eight total takedowns against Isaiah Holt at 165 pounds. Ashworth, the No. 14 ranked wrestler dominated for the 19-5 tech fall. All five of Holt's points came from escapes. Kyle Pope earned the final pin for the Brown and Gold on Saturday night. In the blink of an eye Pope earned the first-period fall. It was his second pin of the season.

Dewey Krueger once again jumped up for his second-straight dual win. Krueger, typically competes at 157 pounds, but wrestled at 184 for UW on Saturday night and earned a 12-5 decision over Richie Brandt. Krueger now has wins at 157, 174, 184 and 197 pounds this season. Competing for the first time this year, Luke Paine impressed with a 13-5 major over Josh Hokit at 197 pounds. In what was the final win for UW, Paine led the entire way and totaled four takedowns on way to the victory.

Wyoming will next welcome the Oklahoma Sooners on Feb. 4. The dual will take place in the UniWyo Sports Complex at 1 p.m. MT.
Match Results
125: Foster fall Williams (6:20) | UW 6-0
133: Bridges fall Williams (1:39) |UW 12-0
141: Meredith fall DeLoza (2:39) |UW 18-0
149: Olivas decision Turner | UW 18-3
157: Colgan technical fall Gaxiola | UW 23-3
165: Ashworth major Holt |UW 27-3
174: Pope fall Kincaid (1:46) |UW 33-3
184: Krueger decision Brandt |UW 36-3
197: Paine major Josh Hokit | UW 40-3
285: Nevills decision Eagan | UW 40-6