Wyoming Wrestling: 51-0 shutout signals strong start

The University of wrestling team outscored Western Wyoming 51-0 on Saturday at the UniWyo Sports Complex in Laramie.

The Pokes did not lose a single match in the 2026-27 season opener. Every bout ended with a bonus point finish, a result that left the Mustangs without a score on the board.

Three of the ten matches ended in pins, while five concluded as technical falls. The remaining two bouts were decided by major decisions. Head coach Mark Branch described the performance as a "scary, good time" for the team.

Branch noted that the team executed well on the attack early in the bouts. He said the squad scored many pins and technical falls, which is the standard he seeks to see from his athletes.

Isaiah Harrison, a redshirt-freshman at the 125-pound weight class, opened the dual with a pin. He dropped his opponent, Wylee Willson, in the second period. The quick victory set the pace for the rest of the lineup.

Harrison was one of three freshmen receiving a first-career home start. Derek Barrows at 141 pounds and Austin Collins at 149 pounds also wrestled in their first home matches. Branch acknowledged that uncertainty often accompanies new athletes in a home environment.

Barrows pinned Dalton Compton to secure a victory. Luke Willochell, ranked 17th, achieved a 15-0 technical fall over Luke Schroeder at 133 pounds. Collins recorded a 20-4 technical fall against Logan Crowther at 149 pounds.

Antonio Avila won 16-1 by technical fall at 157 pounds. Manny Rojas earned a 10-2 major decision at 165 pounds. Riley Davis, ranked 32nd, secured a 20-5 technical fall at 174 pounds.

Eddie Neitenbach won a 21-6 technical fall in 2 minutes and 44 seconds at 184 pounds. Joey Novak pinned Trevyn Gates in just 56 seconds at 197 pounds. Winston McBride finished the dual with an 18-5 major decision at heavyweight.

The Pokes will face a more difficult opponent next week. The team travels to No. 3 Nebraska on Nov. 8 for a 2 p.m. dual at the Devaney Center.