The University of Wyoming wrestling team continues to make its presence felt on the national stage with six wrestlers featured in the latest rankings across multiple polls, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.
As a team, the Cowboys are ranked as high as No. 26 in InterMat’s Dual Team ranking and are tied for 30th in the Tournament Team rankings.
One of the standout stories from the recent rankings update is Jared Hill’s rise. Competing in the 157-pound weight class, Hill cracked the top 20 for the first time this season, climbing to No. 19 in InterMat’s rankings. His strong showing at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, where he finished fifth, included his first ranked win of the season. Hill now holds a team-best 6-2 record, making him one of Wyoming’s most consistent performers this season.
In addition to Jared Hill, five other Wyoming wrestlers earned recognition in national polls:
- Jore Volk (125 lbs.): Volk remains Wyoming’s highest-ranked wrestler, holding the No. 7 spot in both InterMat and WIN. While he has a 2-2 record this season, he has not competed since a dual against Oklahoma on Nov. 23.
- Joey Novak (197 lbs.): Novak continues to maintain his position at No. 13 in FloWrestling and The Open Mat’s polls. With a 6-3 season record, Novak impressed at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, adding three ranked wins on his way to a fourth-place finish.
- Gabe Willochell (149 lbs.): Willochell checks in as high as No. 20 in The Open Mat’s poll. He has posted a 4-4 record this season, including two ranked wins. Willochell went 2-2 at the Las Vegas Invitational.
- Cole Brooks (141 lbs.): Brooks remains at No. 28 in InterMat’s poll following a 2-2 showing in Las Vegas. His season record stands at 4-4.
- Stockton O’Brien (133 lbs.): Rounding out Wyoming’s ranked wrestlers is O’Brien, who holds the No. 32 spot in FloWrestling’s rankings. He logged three wins at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, with his only two losses coming at the hands of top-10 opponents. O’Brien’s season record sits at 5-3.
The University of Wyoming faces a significant challenge this weekend as it travels to No. 1-ranked Penn State. The dual meet is scheduled for Sunday at 11 a.m. (MT) inside the Bryce Jordan Center. Facing the top-ranked Nittany Lions will be a major test for the Cowboys, but it also presents an opportunity for Wyoming’s ranked wrestlers to showcase their skills against the best in the nation.
