LARAMIE, Wyo. (March 1, 2021) – With the regular season wrapped up, the Wyoming Wrestling squad now 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.
 
Tate Samuelson capped off his regular season by knocking off No. 7 ranked Dakota Geer (OKST) to win the Cowboy Challenge Tournament. Samuelson's top 10 win rocketed him to as high as high as No. 7 in the rankings. He will carry an eight-match winning streak in the Big 12 Championships.   
 
What has been your favorite match or moment so far, this season? 
 
My favorite match from this year was beating Dakota Geer at the Cowboy Challenge in the finals, and going 4/4 in the finals as a team. 
 
How has it been to wrestle in front of none or very limited fans? 
 
I wouldn't say it's that unusual to not have fans in the crowd because at practice we have no fans.
 
With this being a unique season, has it been nice to wrestle uncommon opponents (referring mainly to the duals against CMU and ASU) 
 
Yes! I loved being able to wrestle different teams, I may never get another chance to wrestle an ASU opponent in my career so that was pretty cool.
 
What has been the biggest challenge for you this season and how have you overcome it? 
 
The biggest challenge for me this season was in the beginning of the year when we had to take breaks for Covid, then I got Covid. Overcoming that just meant that I had to get every minute out my training when I had the chance.
 
What is your mindset now heading into Big 12's?
 
My mindset going into big 12's is to win the tournament, keep my momentum going from the past couple competitions.
 
What did it mean to you to start the season by beating a tough ranked opponent at home? 
 
I was really hyped up after beating a tough opponent in the opening home dual. I lost to that kid last year so I really wanted to get that win.
 
Being undefeated in matches at home this season, is there an extra sense of pride and extra fire when you compete at home? 
 
I love competing at home, we have great fans that bring the energy every time. Also, not having to travel and that team comes into our gym we got to handle our business. 
 
How did it feel to win the Cowboy Challenge Tournament?
 
Winning the cowboy challenge was great because I felt like I performed how I know I should every time I wrestle. I work my butt off and I finally was able to go show off all that hard work.
 
Coming up next, we talk to the Cowboy Wrestling Head Coach Mark Branch.