The win was the first for Wyoming against Oklahoma since the 2014-15 season. It is also the fourth win for head coach Mark Branch against the Sooners in his ten seasons in Laramie. Branch now has 97 wins as head coach of Wyoming. Hall of Fame coach Joe Dowler is in third place all-time with 104 wins.
"I thought we wrestled pretty well," Branch said. "It was a fun dual with a great crowd. The UniWyo was packed. We were in every match today, which was great to see. I'm getting more nervous as the season goes because I'm expecting a little more as we continue, but no doubt this was a good win for us. Oklahoma is a solid team with plenty of experience. I thought we handled business today. We have one more weekend at home and we know it'll be the last time our fans get to see these seniors. We want to go out in style in front of a great support group."
The dual began at 184 pounds with Chaz Polson claiming a tech fall over Matthew Waddell. An early takedown from Polson, plus near fall points in the first period set the tone for the match. Polson never surrendered a point and ultimately took the bout 16-0.
Sam Eagan picked up UW's second win of the day at 285 pounds. Three takedowns from Eagan, in addition to a couple escapes was all the Churchville, N.Y., native needed for the victory over Connor Webb.
Montorie Bridges made quick work of Jake Rubio at 133 pounds. The redshirt freshman earned a first-period takedown and then a four-point nearfall in the second to distance himself. He continued with his offense in the third period to secure the major, 11-1.
Bryce Meredith followed Bridges with a bonus-point victory of his own at 141 pounds. Meredith only needed the first period for the 19-3 tech fall over Mike Longo. The next win for Meredith will be the 100th victory against Division I opponents. Meredith has earned 84 wins while wearing the Brown and Gold, and totaled 15 during the 2015-15 season before transferring to UW from NC State.
At 149 pounds, Sam Turner picked up a comeback victory over Davion Jeffries. The win moved the crowd of 1,011 to their feet. Turner fell behind in the first and second period but worked his way back to take the 8-7 decision over the two-time NCAA Qualifier. In the last 30 seconds, Turner scored an escape and takedown for the win.
At 157 pounds, Archie Colgan held on for a 4-1 decision over Justin Thomas. The senior got on the board early with a takedown before adding an escape and riding time point. Colgan, now with 104 career wins, is tied with former Cowboy standout Andy McCulley for 15th all-time. McCulley wrestled for UW from 2011-15 and was an NCAA Qualifier during the 2012-13 season.
Branson Ashworth earned UW's final win of the dual with an 8-4 decision over Dawaylon Barnes at 165 pounds. The Spanish Fork, Utah, native fell behind after the first period, but began the third tied at four. A takedown, stalling point from Barnes and riding time gave Ashworth the decision.
Wyoming remains at home for its next two Big 12 duals as Utah Valley and Northern Colorado visit later this week. The dual against UVU is set for 7 p.m. MT on Friday, while the Pokes will square off with UNC on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Results:
184: Polson tech. fall over Waddell, 16-0 (6:13) (5-0 UW)
197: Dixon dec. over Paine, 4-2 (5-3 UW)
285: Eagan dec. over Webb, 8-4 (UW 8-3)
125: Moody dec. over Foster, 1-3 (UW 8-6)
133: Bridges major dec. over Rubio, 11-1 (UW 12-6)
141: Meredith tech. fall Longo, 19-3 (2:28) (UW 17-6)
149: Turner dec. over Jeffries, 8-7 (UW 20-6)
157: Colgan dec. over Thomas, 4-1 (UW 23-6)
165: Ashworth dec. over Barnes, 8-4 (UW 26-6)
174: Mejias dec. over Pope, 3-8 (UW 26-9)
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