Pokes Set to Participate in Soldier Salute Tournament

LARAMIE -- The University of Wyoming wrestling team is back in action this weekend at the Soldier Salute Tournament. It takes place inside Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa, and will be broadcast on Big 10-Plus.

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This tournament represents the final regular-season one for the Pokes’ starters. After this weekend, it’s just a number of duals until the Big 12 Tournament in March. That fact alone increases the importance for the Cowboys.

“This is our last opportunity in a tournament setting before Big 12s, which is kind of crazy,” head coach Mark Branch said. “We have to take advantage of this environment. I love this tournament because it’s a two-day tournament no matter what. We’ve talked to our team about being excited about this because it’s the last chance to replicate the postseason.”

It has been quite a while since Wyoming last competed. For most of the starters, Dec. 13 against No. 1 Penn State marks the last time on the competition mat.

The Pokes will be shaking off some rust against a field that features many top teams. Four top 10 teams, headlined by No. 3 Iowa State, and eight ranked teams are slated to suit up.

The Cowboys are still on the outside looking in with regard to the top 25. Individually, however, they boast a trio of top 12 guys in No. 4 Joey Novak (197), No. 8 Christian Carroll (HWT) and No. 12 Eddie Neitenbach (184).

Other ranked Wyoming grapplers include No. 16 Luke Willochell (133), No. 18 Jared Hill (157), No. 27 Gabe Willochell (149) and No. 28 Riley Davis (174). The remaining starters in Coralville this weekend are Sefton Douglass (125), John Alden (141) and Sloan Swan (165).

A number of Cowboy backups/reserves will be going, as well. Isaiah Harrison (125), Tucker Bowen (125), David Saenz (141), Antonio Avila (149), Cole Brooks (149), Lane Foard (174) and Gunner Henry (197) will look to gain valuable experience amidst a challenging field.

Wyoming placed seventh at last year’s Soldier Salute Tournament with a number of starters missing because of injury. Hill spearheaded the effort with a runner-up finish.

Following Soldier Salute, the Cowboys remain on the road. They travel to Utah Valley on Jan. 10 for a 7 p.m. dual inside Lockhart Arena.

- University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players