LARAMIE, Wyo. (Oct. 11, 2019) – The Wyoming wrestling squad officially opened practice Thursday afternoon as the Cowboys kick off the 2019-20, the 12th season under Head Coach Mark Branch.
"I thought the energy was good," said Branch.
"I think the way our preseason has unfolded, it's not only prepared our guys but it's created some positive anticipation. They've been looking forward to it. There wasn't anything crazy, it was just a good, solid practice. We got some different paces in and then brought out some intensity in our live wrestling and in our conditioning. So I was real happy with the attitude and the energy that we had."
Branch, who has led the Cowboys to a 116-53 dual record during his time at UW, returns six NCAA qualifiers from a season ago in Cole Verner at 125 pounds, Montorie Bridges at 133, Sam Turner at 141, Hayden Hastings at 174, Tate Samuelson at 184 and Brian Andrews at heavyweight. Wyoming loses just one NCAA qualifier from last year, in Branson Ashworth at 165.
In addition to the six returning national tournament participants, the Pokes return 13 wrestlers from the 2018-19 season and will also add 12 newcomers to the roster.
The six returning NCAA qualifiers, in addition to Cale Davidson at 197 pounds, all enter the season ranked by most wrestling publications.
"At the beginning, until you go out and compete, you're sometimes taking a stab in the dark," said Branch.
"There's no set plan, we don't do the same thing every year when practice begins for the season. This year, we're focused on two important areas that can help us early on: our defense and top wrestling. You try to add in a few fundamental of your offense too as they early season progresses, but, you have three weeks to figure out what is going to help the majority of the team and take into consideration for 30-plus guys. Once we begin to compete, you really get some answers. Right now our focus is on-top and our defense, mostly. That's not all we're going to focus on, but we want to make sure we get our guys familiar in those positions."
In all, Wyoming has 17 freshmen (true and redshirt) on the roster this season and just three seniors in Dewey Krueger, Doyle Trout and Verner.
"We do have a really young group, but a lot of those guys got some experience last season as redshirts, so we know them pretty well," continued Branch.
"I think with a younger group you definitely want to make sure that you're looking out for some of the basic things, positioning ques. We're stopping sometimes during practice and even reminding some of the older guys that they're maybe getting a little bit sloppy in some positions or with their technique and with their controls and their setups. Those are the types of things we tried to implement during our preseason program so that guys are getting exposed to those positioning ques. We definitely point it out a lot. If we're bringing it to their attention, they can correct those things pretty quick. With a young group you have to pay attention to those things and not overlook the little things."
The Cowboys begin competition with the Cowboy Open in Laramie, Nov. 2. The tournament begins at 9 a.m., at the War Memorial Fieldhouse. In addition to the Open, the Pokes host five duals in 2019-20 beginning January 24 against CSU Bakersfield.
Wyoming also hosts Utah Valley Jan. 26, Fresno State February 6, Oklahoma State Feb. 8 and Northern Colorado Feb. 16. The Utah Valley match will be held in Green River at 2 p.m.
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