LARAMIE, Wyoming (12/20/24) – The University of Wyoming wrestling team is set to participate in the Reno Tournament of Champions. The action takes place on Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m. inside the Reno Events Center.

The Cowboys are taking a different approach to this year's competition. This is a tournament they compete in each season, but this time around, only a few starters are going in addition to a slew of backups and first-year student-athletes.

"This is a great opportunity for some guys who haven't gotten a lot of mat time this year to really go compete and show the work they have put in," head coach Mark Branch said. "As we have seen, injuries can happen, and we need guys ready to step into our lineup for second semester."

Riley Davis (174) will get some more reps as he works his way back from an injury that cost him the second portion of last season and the start of 2024-25. He's 0-3, but two of those losses have occurred against ranked guys.

Kevin Zimmer (HWT) is the other starter going. He's endured a tough slate thus far, owning a 2-6 record with all six losses coming to ranked competition, half of which held a top-five ranking.

"We will have a few starters there, and it will give them a chance to work on some of the things they have been focusing on," Branch said. "Some of our guys' schedules have been brutal, so I'm hoping we get a chance to go dominate some of our competition."

There are a couple other Cowboys who're eying a starting spot. Their brackets will help them in that endeavor, seeing as there's a decent chance they'd go head-to-head against the guy in which they're competing. 

Ethan Ducca (174) and Quayin Short (174) both have an opportunity to showcase their skillset after both missed time at the start of this season with injury. Sam Mitchell (HWT) will also receive plenty of matches at his new weight this season – Mitchell was an NCAA qualifier at Buffalo at 197.  

Others who will look for valuable experience include David Saenz (133), Josh Kyle (133), Brett McIntosh (165), Warren Carr (157) and Sloan Swan (157). And then there's the crop of young freshmen who'll make the journey to Reno. That group features Antonio Avila (149), John Alden (141), Christian Herrera (141) and Tucker Bowen (125).

The tournament wraps up in one long day of action. Placing matches will be held at 7 p.m.

Following the trip to Reno, Wyoming's starting squad will be back on the mat in Iowa. The Cowboys are taking part in the Soldier Salute Tournament in Coralville, Iowa, from Dec. 29-30.