Cowboy Wrestlers Look To Regain Command Against Air Force

From the desk of Bud Denega/Wyoming Athletic Department

LARAMIE,– The University of Wyoming wrestling team returns home Friday, hosting Air Force in a 6 p.m., match inside the UniWyo Sports Complex.

The Pokes go into the match 3-5 overall and 1-3 in Big 12 action. They will look to get back on track against a rival that got the better of them last year. Branch’s first and only loss to the Falcons occurred last season in Colorado Springs, meaning he and his squad are eying some revenge. 

“It’s exciting to be back home, and we’ve all been looking forward to that,” Branch said. “Last year was the first time we lost to Air Force since I’ve been coaching here, so it feels a bit more personal.” 

After beginning the season at 3-0 overall and 1-0 in league, Wyoming has fallen on hard times. Some of that is due to a dual schedule that has featured four currently ranked teams – three of which are in the top 10 – and one that’s receiving votes in the NWCA Coaches’ Poll.  

“We have had an incredibly tough stretch this past month, and I want our guys to shake that off and get excited about this dual,” Branch said. “We need to bring a lot of energy and fire on Friday. Every point will matter, so bonus points will be a major emphasis.” 

Air Force owns a 2-2 overall record and an 0-2 mark in league. The Falcons boast four ranked wrestlers, headlined by No. 2 Wyatt Hendrickson (HWT) who’s a perfect 12-0 this season.  

Wyoming’s lineup has a similar composition. It lays claim to four ranked grapplers, spearheaded by No. 4 Jore Volk (125) who’s fresh off a victory over No. 2 Caleb Smith of Nebraska, which vaulted Volk into the top five.  

Volk now owns victories over wrestlers that were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 at the time of the match. In all, he’s 6-4 against ranked guys this season.  

No. 20 Joey Novak (197) slipped a tad in the rankings after an 0-2 week that dropped his overall mark to 15-9. He still possesses six ranked wins on a resume that includes 14 ranked wrestlers.  

No. 21 Gabe Willochell (149) continues to be steady. He’s 12-6 on the season after going 1-1 in the triangular against Northern Iowa and Nebraska.  

No. 31 Cole Brooks (141) returned to the starting lineup against Nebraska after missing some time with injury. He’s 7-3 on the year.  

Air Force took last year’s meeting at home, 25-11. Wyoming won the last dual against the Falcons in Laramie, 22-9, during the 2020-21 season.   

Following the Air Force dual, the Cowboys go back on the road. They travel to Utah Valley on Jan. 20 for a dual at 6 p.m. inside Lockhart Arena.