The University of Wyoming wrestling team kicked off its 2024-25 NCAA season in commanding style Thursday night, defeating Campbell 28-12 in a high-energy dual at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Held on the iconic grounds of Frontier Park, the “Dual at the Daddy” saw Wyoming gain redemption after last year’s 23-12 loss to the Fighting Camels in the “Battle in the Barn.”
Wyoming head coach Mark Branch, now in his 17th season, described the event as both exciting and intense.
“Last year we had some of these matches that didn’t go our way. The bonus points we got tonight, that’s when you really start dominating the team score,” Branch said.
The crowd atmosphere helped boost the Cowboys, who seized seven of the ten bouts.
The night opened with Wyoming’s All-American Jore Volk, ranked No. 2, who scored a 2-0 decision over No. 13 Anthony Molton in the 125-pound weight class. A quick escape point and a ride-time point secured Volk’s win, establishing an early lead for Wyoming.
“The first match is always going to be the hardest, but I got through it,” Volk commented afterward.
He added that he looked forward to “battling” as the season progresses.
The evening’s standout moment came from Stockton O’Brien, who earned the “Wrestler of the Night” title by pinning No. 15-ranked Domenic Zaccone in the second period of the 133-pound bout. O’Brien’s pin gave Wyoming a nine-point lead and set an energetic tone for the rest of the dual.
Additional wins for the Cowboys included:
- Cole Brooks (141 lbs) who scored a sudden-victory win over No. 29 Shannon Hanna, 5-2.
- Jared Hill (157 lbs) with an 8-5 sudden victory against Seth Larson.
- Cooper Voorhees (165 lbs) who claimed a 4-2 decision over Kendrick Hodge.
- Eddie Neitenbach (184 lbs), in his collegiate debut, securing a 12-0 major decision over Cole Rees.
- Joey Novak (197 lbs), ranked No. 10, who ended the night with a decisive pin of Mike Slade.
Campbell managed a few notable wins, including Taye Ghadiali’s technical fall over Kevin Zimmer at heavyweight, and Dom Baker’s major decision over Brett McIntosh at 174 pounds.
Wyoming takes a brief pause before hosting Western Wyoming on November 9. Following their strong start, the Cowboys are set to continue building momentum as they aim for a successful season.
7220 Sports, Wyoming Athletics, and Campbell University contributed to this report.
