LARAMIE, Wyo. (March 26, 2021) – With the NCAA season now officially wrapped up, Cowboy wrestling alumni and volunteer coach Branson Ashworth will shift his focus from coaching to competing.  Ashworth will compete in the Last Chance Trials Olympic Qualifier tournament in Fort Worth, Texas. 
 
The Last Chance Tournament serves as a chance for wrestlers to punch their ticket to the U.S Olympic Team Trials. The top two finishers at each weight will earn a chance to compete at the team trials on April 2-3 in Fort Worth, Texas. 
 
Ashworth had an impressive career in the Brown and Gold totaling 121 career wins and qualifying for the NCAA tournament three times. Last time out he faced free style standout Dan Vallimont in the summit 1 event. Ashworth controlled that match and posted an impressive 8-0 shutout victory. 
 
It will be a fast turnaround for Ashworth, who was coaching the Cowboys at the NCAA tournament less than a week ago. "It's been a quick transition for sure, going from 100% focus on our guys to switching gears and getting myself ready to compete. But it's exciting as well, having the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Olympic Trials is enough motivation in itself!" Ashworth said. 
 
Not only has Ashworth grown as a coach in the two years he has helped the team, but he has also grown as a competitor "100% coaching has helped me grow and develop as a competitor. When you are coaching and teaching you think about the sport from a different perspective and that has helped me in my approach to my own wrestling as well."
 
The men's freestyle portion of the event will be held tomorrow with the Prelims, Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Consolation rounds set to take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT. The finals are set to begin at 5:30 p.m. with the true second place matches following the finals.