LARAMIE, Wyo. (Dec. 23, 2020) – The Wyoming Cowboy Wrestling squad features a diverse group of newcomers on the roster for the upcoming season. Get to know the Cowboy Newcomers through this Q&A series. First up is Jacob Wright.
 
Wright is a Redshirt-Junior transfer from Fresno State, where he posted back-to-back 20 plus win seasons along with qualifying for the 2020 NCAA Championships. 
 
As a transfer, what options were out there for you and why did you choose to come to Wyoming? 
 
After Fresno State cut their program for the 2021-2022 season I decided to enter the transfer portal. I had several options including some to stay in California and several to stay within the Big 12 conference. I felt Wyoming had the best situation for me to contribute to grow athletically and academically. 
 
What is your favorite memory from your wrestling career so far? 
 
I think my favorite memory has been placing at the Cliff Keen tournament, it has a lot of the top schools in nation there so I felt that was a great indication that I was on the right track. This year we will not have tournaments in the regular season, so I'm looking to have consistent performances, so I am prepared once we do reach Big 12's and NCAA's.
 
What were some of the biggest things you learned in your first two collegiate seasons? 
 
In my first two collegiate seasons, I learned you have to be ready for a fight every time you go out there, even opponents who I have hit bonus points on put up a fight at first.  As a result, I learned I need to have fast starts and impose my will. 
 
What's the biggest goal you have set for yourself this year? 
 
My biggest goal I have set for myself is being a Big 12 champ and All-American. 
 
What is the transition like to now be competing for a team you competed against last season?
 
Of course there is some uneasiness in joining a team I have competed against, but at the end of the day we are all wrestlers! Wrestlers from any demographic or background can come together through the sport, because of how many challenges this sport brings, everyone has respect for someone able to do such difficult sport. Still I know I have to earn my respect from this team, and I'm just extremely excited and blessed for this opportunity!
 
After finishing fifth at Big 12's last year, how determined are you to place higher this year? 
 
After finishing 5th back to back years I am extremely motivated to place higher! This year I know I have to flip the score on a few opponents I have lost to by just a few points, I think with my new training situation here in Wyoming I will be ready to make that jump.