LARAMIE, Wyo. (12/27/23) – The University of Wyoming wrestling team is set to participate in its final regular-season invitational. The Cowboys travel to the Soldier Salute Tournament in Coralville, Iowa, Friday and Saturday.
This marks the second annual edition of the tournament. The Pokes competed in it during the tournament's inaugural year, and head coach
Mark Branch enjoyed what the field brought to the table.
"We really liked this tournament last year," head coach
Mark Branch said. "There will be some stiff competition there, so it's another opportunity for our guys to build their resumes heading into the second semester."
And the Soldier Salute does more than just bolster resumes. Its format resembles the postseason, giving inexperienced wrestlers a feel of how February and March will look.
"They ensure that every guy wrestles both days of the tournament and makes weight both days," Branch said. "Those are experiences you need for the Big 12 Tournament, as well as the NCAA Tournament where you're going to have multiple weigh-ins."
No. 7
Jore Volk (125) catapulted into the holiday season on a torrid streak. He defeated the No. 1 wrestler at the Reno Tournament of Champions before backing that up, just two days later, with his fourth ranked win of the season against Oklahoma State's Troy Spratley. He boasts an 11-3 record.
No. 15
Joey Novak (197) also scored a victory against No. 9 Oklahoma State, defeating Jersey Robb. Novak is 11-6 on the season and owns a quartet of ranked wins.
No. 23
Gabe Willochell gives the Pokes three 11-win wrestlers, possessing an 11-5 record. No. 31
Cole Brooks, at 7-2, rounds out the ranked Wyoming student-athletes, checking in at No. 31.
Volk,
Cooper Birdwell (133),
Garrett Ricks (133), Brooks,
Warren Carr (141),
Stockton O'Brien (141),
Gabe Willochell,
Sloan Swan (157),
Cooper Voorhees (157),
Brett McIntosh (165),
Quayin Short (184),
Tyce Raddon (184), Novak and
Kevin Zimmer (HWT) are slated to compete attached Friday and Saturday.
Josh Kyle (133),
David Saenz (133),
Aidan Noonan (149),
Colby Huynh (174) will give it a go unattached.
Action begins Friday at 10 a.m. with Session 1, and Session 2 commences at 2:30 p.m. The final day of the tournament, Saturday, starts at 10 a.m. with Session 3, while the fourth and final session is at 4 p.m.
Following the Soldier Salute, the Pokes jump back into dual action. They travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, for a tri-dual against Nebraska and Northern Iowa on Jan. 6.
