We've done it Cowboys fans! We've made it to the 2026-2027 Wrestling Season! I am glad this tradition of Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) dualling the Cowboys has continued. Wyoming has more than a few new faces on the roster, 15 to be exact. Similarly, WWCC has 16 new faces to their roster; there were more than a few question marks for both teams heading into this dual, and both teams will more than likely have different lineups throughout the year.
Isaiah Harrison (FR) got the Pokes started at 125 quickly attacking and getting a takedown and solid ride but gave up a late 1st period reversal. That was quickly put to bed as Isiah got the pin. Luke Willochel (SO) did his best big brother's impression by rolling around like my kid when I was trying to change his diaper working to a tech fall. Derek Barrows (FR) got into the fall action; at one point I thought he was in danger but was relentless and worked into a takedown. Austin Collins (FR) and Antonio Avila (SO) had back-to-back tech falls to keep Wyoming on track. Antonio looked to have more energy at 157 than at 149 last year. Wyoming started three Freshmen and two Sophomores 125-157; that combination will be fun to watch and cause heart palpitations.
Manny Rojas (Iowa State transfer) got a Major Decision and was tough on top while simultaneously dragging his opponent back to center. From 174-HWT I had a harder time watching since my kids were trick or treating and one tried to grab pretzels from a bowl; I mean who does that? Am I raising him wrong? I digress. Riley and Eddie worked into tech falls in two different time frames, Riley at 7:00 and Eddie at :56. Joey went for a quick pin and one thing I wanted to see from him this year. In years past he would let guys hang around in matches, and in this case, he went right after Gates.
How about Winston McBride! He puts in work and is getting a chance to start for the Cowboys as Carroll comes back from injury. He'd score his own major decision to win with some quick feet. I wanted to give him his own paragraph for working hard and going out and winning. That crowd looked great on screen, and we won't see the Cowboys back in UniWyo until Jan 8.
Wyoming is a VERY young team and is going to be tested early in their dual schedules, but they have an opportunity to show they belong. Do not judge this team based on any dual records as you can’t win March in November. Their lineups may be fluid as the room is going to press any current starters. Wyoming is back in action Sunday, Nov 8 at 2pm against Nebraska. Thank you for being Cowboys!
In case you missed it and need to get fired up for season here are two interviews with Coach Ford (last year) and Coach Branch this year.
Branch:
Ford:
Isaiah Harrison (FR) got the Pokes started at 125 quickly attacking and getting a takedown and solid ride but gave up a late 1st period reversal. That was quickly put to bed as Isiah got the pin. Luke Willochel (SO) did his best big brother's impression by rolling around like my kid when I was trying to change his diaper working to a tech fall. Derek Barrows (FR) got into the fall action; at one point I thought he was in danger but was relentless and worked into a takedown. Austin Collins (FR) and Antonio Avila (SO) had back-to-back tech falls to keep Wyoming on track. Antonio looked to have more energy at 157 than at 149 last year. Wyoming started three Freshmen and two Sophomores 125-157; that combination will be fun to watch and cause heart palpitations.
Manny Rojas (Iowa State transfer) got a Major Decision and was tough on top while simultaneously dragging his opponent back to center. From 174-HWT I had a harder time watching since my kids were trick or treating and one tried to grab pretzels from a bowl; I mean who does that? Am I raising him wrong? I digress. Riley and Eddie worked into tech falls in two different time frames, Riley at 7:00 and Eddie at :56. Joey went for a quick pin and one thing I wanted to see from him this year. In years past he would let guys hang around in matches, and in this case, he went right after Gates.
How about Winston McBride! He puts in work and is getting a chance to start for the Cowboys as Carroll comes back from injury. He'd score his own major decision to win with some quick feet. I wanted to give him his own paragraph for working hard and going out and winning. That crowd looked great on screen, and we won't see the Cowboys back in UniWyo until Jan 8.
Wyoming is a VERY young team and is going to be tested early in their dual schedules, but they have an opportunity to show they belong. Do not judge this team based on any dual records as you can’t win March in November. Their lineups may be fluid as the room is going to press any current starters. Wyoming is back in action Sunday, Nov 8 at 2pm against Nebraska. Thank you for being Cowboys!
In case you missed it and need to get fired up for season here are two interviews with Coach Ford (last year) and Coach Branch this year.
Branch:
Attachments
Last edited:
