LARAMIE, Wyo. (Feb. 26, 2021) – With the regular season wrapped up, the Wyoming Wrestling squad is now set to compete at the Big 12 Championship in Tulsa, Okla. on March 6-7. Hear from some of our Cowboys as they reflect on the season and prepare for Big 12's.
 
Hayden Hastings is primed for the Big 12 Championships after taking first at the Cowboy Challenge Tournament and was named Big 12 wrestler of the week for his efforts. Hastings is 11-1 on the season and was undefeated at home during the season. 
 
What has been your favorite match or moment so far this season? 
 
My favorite match this year was the championship match at the Cowboy Challenge Tournament because that was the first time in my career beating an Oklahoma State starter. The fact he was #7 made it an even sweeter moment for me.
 
How has it been to wrestle in front of none or very limited fans? 
 
Yes and no. It is weird when you aren't on the mat because you are looking around in the stands and it's pretty bare which we aren't that used to, but during my matches I try to block out the crowd noise and stay focused on myself.
 
With this being a unique season, has it been nice to wrestle uncommon opponents?
 
Absolutely. Wrestling new competition is always fun. In a normal season, we rarely see teams like Missouri, CMU, and ASU, so it was nice to get matches against those guys and get different looks.
 
What has been the biggest challenge for you this season and how have you overcome it? 
 
My biggest challenge this year has been forcing myself to open up and score points in my matches. I have a habit of getting complacent with a 3-0 win. I am still working on looking to score points for seven minutes straight.
 
What is your mindset now heading into Big 12's?
 
My mindset is to take it one match at a time. Wrestle hard for seven minutes and check off one of my season goals becoming a Big 12 Champion.
 
Being undefeated in matches at home this season, is there an extra sense of pride and extra fire when you compete at home? 
 
There is always an extra sense of pride when wrestling at home. You want to go out and put on a show for the fans that traveled to watch you compete. I wasn't necessarily please with my performances at home this year because I wasn't opening up and scoring points like I know I can do.
 
How did it feel to win the Cowboy Challenge Tournament?
 
Winning the Cowboy Challenge Tournament proved to me that the training and sacrifices I am making are worth it. It was a great momentum booster heading into the Big 12 tournament. It feels good to go into Gallagher-Iba Arena and knock off a ranked Oklahoma State guy.