Feb. 9, 2008

Complete Results

LARAMIE, Wyoming - Utah Valley dropped its final Western Wrestling Conference (WWC) match in heartbreaking fashion, 20-15, at Wyoming in a dual that came down to the final match.

Despite giving up over 70 pounds, usual 197 pound wrestler Zach Williams wrestled at heavyweight and took his match down to the final 30 seconds before Jason Still scored on a takedown to win 6-4 and clinch the dual for the Cowboys. Wyoming held a slim 17-15 lead heading into the final match.

"Zach almost pulled it off for us," said head coach Greg Williams. "He was the wrestler of the night. I was really pleased with his effort. Despite the loss, tonight was fun. I feel like we definitely could have won but so far this year has been a big step for us. We're a lot further along than we were a year ago."

The Wolverines drop to 7-11 overall and finish their second season in the WWC at 1-4. They wrap up the 2007-08 season with duals next Saturday (Western State) and Monday, February 18th (Portland State).

The night started off well for the Wolverines when Benjamin Kjar edged Cody Grant, 3-2 to give UV a 3-0 lead.

After Wyoming won three straight matches, Sam Allen, who wrestled for a season at Wyoming before transferring to Utah Valley, beat Cody Chipperfield in a 5-4 decision.

Casen Eldredge earned a win by forfeit at 184 pounds for the Wolverines before Mark Dennis made shutout Dan Barrone at 197 pounds to win for the second consecutive night for UV.

Dennis took a 2-0 lead in the second period and added an escape in the third for the final 3-0 score, setting up the decisive match at heavyweight.