Just like that the postseason is upon us; feels like just yesterday the boys were competing at National Duals and CKLV. A tall task awaits, but an experienced team is rolling into Tulsa. Based on seeds, Wyoming is projected to finish 5th and I believe they can finish above that, especially with Super Seniors who may not have had the regular season they wanted but are poised for a “Sam Mitchell” postseason run.
Last year Sam Mitchell made a magical run to qualify for the NCAA. He made that run with close/gritty wins that may or may not have led to what my cardiologist described as a Myocardial infarction, I kid, but seriously. One match stands out to me and that was against Herrera from Iowa State to head to the 3rd place match AND an auto bid. Sam was always going to need the auto bid to qualify and was facing a tall task in Herrera. I remember sitting in the Home Depot parking lot watching that match and so excited for that young man to come in as a transfer and not even begin the year as a starter at HWT but grinding it out to qualify.
Wyoming needs more guys to do that this year; no more sitting on your heels waiting for the action they need to create it. The schedule has worked out for UW with three weeks of just recovery and training and now they enter Tulsa healthy. I am looking at Gabe and Jared to be my Sam’s, as they both need the auto bids to qualify. Coach Branch highlighted Joey Novak’s struggles last year at Big 12s but Gabe also struggled mightily.
I am excited for this team, and we all want to see 10 qualifiers, but seven would be my best number. Who those seven are is anyone’s guess as we know 84-HWT will qualify for the Pokes.
Who do you have as this year’s Sam? My pick is Gabe Willochell
Action begins on Friday at 8am MT on ESPN + with brackets here:2026 Big 12 Championships
Be sure to check out Adam and his content leading up to Friday as well.
Please follow these accounts on X for additional Wyoming Coverage:
@AdamEngel9 – WyoSports
@WyoWreste – Official Account
Last year Sam Mitchell made a magical run to qualify for the NCAA. He made that run with close/gritty wins that may or may not have led to what my cardiologist described as a Myocardial infarction, I kid, but seriously. One match stands out to me and that was against Herrera from Iowa State to head to the 3rd place match AND an auto bid. Sam was always going to need the auto bid to qualify and was facing a tall task in Herrera. I remember sitting in the Home Depot parking lot watching that match and so excited for that young man to come in as a transfer and not even begin the year as a starter at HWT but grinding it out to qualify.
Wyoming needs more guys to do that this year; no more sitting on your heels waiting for the action they need to create it. The schedule has worked out for UW with three weeks of just recovery and training and now they enter Tulsa healthy. I am looking at Gabe and Jared to be my Sam’s, as they both need the auto bids to qualify. Coach Branch highlighted Joey Novak’s struggles last year at Big 12s but Gabe also struggled mightily.
I am excited for this team, and we all want to see 10 qualifiers, but seven would be my best number. Who those seven are is anyone’s guess as we know 84-HWT will qualify for the Pokes.
Who do you have as this year’s Sam? My pick is Gabe Willochell
Action begins on Friday at 8am MT on ESPN + with brackets here:2026 Big 12 Championships
Be sure to check out Adam and his content leading up to Friday as well.
Please follow these accounts on X for additional Wyoming Coverage:
@AdamEngel9 – WyoSports
@WyoWreste – Official Account
