The NMHU Cowboy wrestling team had their first home duals of the season this week as they hosted nationally ranked Fort Hays University and the University of Central Oklahoma. The John A. Wilson Complex saw plenty of top contenders in each of the weight classes. The Cowboys were lead by
Seth Wright and
Jesse Boggs in the 125 lbs and Heavyweight divisions, respectively.
The Fort Hays Tigers, currently ranked 17th in the nation, proved to be too much for the Cowboys as the final score was 31-9 with the Tigers beating the Cowboys.
Starting at 165 lbs,
Jarrod Purvis took on Blake Malloy, currently ranked 8th in the nation at that weight. When it came down to it Purvis lost 2-0 due to riding time and one escape point.
The Cowboys witnessed major decisions in favor of the Tigers until Boggs walked on to the mat. Boggs pinned Justin Glenn in 6:27 to get the first points for the Cowboys.
The most excitement came from fans and the bench alike as Wright took on Tommy Edgmon, currently ranked 1st in the nation at that weight. The first two periods were 2-0 in Wright’s favor. Then, Wright scored two points in the last minute of wrestling and with his riding time, Wright won with a score of 5-0. That was the first loss of the year for Edgmon.
The rest of the Cowboy lineup would eventually fall to the Tigers by major decisions, with one exception.
Trey Saxon lost by one point, at 149 lbs, due to riding time. Saxon earned two points for an escape to tie the score with eight seconds left. His final score was 4-5.
The Cowboys then hosted the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos, currently ranked 11th in the nation. The Cowboys faced off with the Bronchos only a week earlier at the Lone Star Duals in Arlington, TX. The Cowboys showed the Bronchos they weren’t going to let this be easy as many matches were close.
Boggs was quick to take action as he pinned his opponent in less than one minute, earning six points for the team.
Wright was up against Casy Rowell in the 125 lb match. The week before Wright lost to Rowell, only his second loss of the year with the first being a forfeit. Wright had much to prove as Rowell is ranked 8th in the nation at 125 lbs. Wright kept control the entire match and then had plenty of riding time to add points on his total. Wright eventually won 5-0. He has now beat three opponents that are ranked nationally at the number one, three and eight spots.
The Cowboys will now take some time off before they host Grand Canyon State University on 2/5 at the John A. Wilson Complex. Starting time for this RMAC dual is set for 7pm.
GO COWBOYS!!!