(Zach Agee Photo)
Head wrestling coach Mark Branch wanted his team to set the tone early in their home dual against Air Force, especially after the Cowboys were upset on their home floor just a week prior by Oregon State.
The Cowboys split the opening two duals in that one, earning a major decision at the 133 pound spot after dropping the opening by decision at 125 pounds. The Beavers then went on to tear through the Cowboys, finding victory in the next five consecutive bouts. While the Cowboys did notch two of the last three duals after that, it was already too late as the Cowboys were dispatched by a final score of 25-12.
“You can’t step out there flat like we did last week,” Branch said.
Branch’s team undoubtedly came out with a jolt of energy, starting things out at the heavyweight position with Christian Carroll. The flashy redshirt freshman did what he typically does out on the mat–and that was put on a show.
Carroll wasted little time in his dual, capitalizing on three early takedowns in the first period to roll his way towards a 21-6 technical decision.
“Christian embodies what we want all of our guys to do,” Branch said. “He’s going to go out and score in the first period. It’s very typical for him to score two or three takedowns in a period.”
That first bout was exactly what Branch wanted and he credited a change in routine through the Cowboys’ week of practice leading up to the dual that also helped his squad come out with more energy.
“It’s okay to get out of your comfort zone, and that’s what we did this week, you know? We didn’t step back into the wrestling room and do the same routine we did. We changed our routine a little bit, and it was uncomfortable for a few guys.
“A little bit of them were thrown off by it, but it’s a great lesson to say when things aren’t going to play out how you expected them, can you stay focused?” Branch said.
The Cowboys did proceed to lose their next match after Carroll’s explosive win at heavyweight, as Sefton Douglass was completely dominated at 125 pounds by a final technical decision of 18-1.
Luke Willochell breathed life back into the Cowboys at 133 pounds, though, as he’d come away with an impressive pin in the third period to give the lead back to the Cowboys.
The team’s biggest win certainly came at 141 pounds, though, as David Saenz was able to notch a decision at 11-5 to score the Cowboys their first win at the weight since the season opener all the way back on Nov. 1.
“I know this weight class has been struggling a bit to get back in that win column, so it feels nice to get that win in front of the home crowd,” Saenz said.
Saenz has slowly worked his way into a starting position at 141 pounds, most impressing his coaches with his performance against then 19th ranked West Virginia just a few weeks ago. Branch wasn’t happy with how he performed against the Beavers last week, though, as Saenz lost by major decision 17-8.
He responded today.
🚨WYOMING WIN🚨
— Wyoming Cowboy Wrestling (@WyoWrestle) February 7, 2026
David Saenz defeats Carter Nogle via decision, 11-5❗️
Wyoming 14, Air Force 5 pic.twitter.com/HEUyJ4nE5L
“Me and coach Branch had a meeting in his office on Monday,” Saenz said. “I got to wrestle whistle to whistle, and when I wrestle whistle to whistle, I’m hard to beat. I think I proved that today.
“Just taking in the advice that coach Branch gave me and applying it throughout my training this week and it showed in front of the home crowd today.”
The Cowboys continued to roll after Saenz’s big win at 141 pounds, as both Gabe Willochell and Jared Hill picked up major decisions at 149 and 157 pounds respectively and Riley Davis swiftly picked up a pin during the first period at 174 pounds.
Sloan Swann picked up another important set of points with an upset at the 165 pound spot, scoring off a big takedown in the third period at which point the Cowboys all but sealed their win over the Falcons.
“I love the shot that he took [in the third period] and he can build a lot of confidence from that,” Branch said.
🚨WYOMING WIN🚨
— Wyoming Cowboy Wrestling (@WyoWrestle) February 7, 2026
Sloan Swan UPSETS 💥 No. 33 Logan Fower via decision, 6-0❗️
Wyoming 25, Air Force 5 pic.twitter.com/RA5uZCwTbJ
Eddie Neitenbach finished with the Cowboys’ last win at technical decision at 184 pounds, as the Falcons were able to pick up some points at the 197 pound position with Joey Novak missing another contest.
“We have two duals, I didn’t want to put him out there for the first time that he’s wrestled in a while and then we don’t have him for Sunday,” Branch said.
The Cowboys would certainly benefit from having Novak at the 197 pound spot this Sunday, where they will look two in a row with North Dakota State coming to Laramie.
