“`html
Wyoming Wrestling Team Faces Elite Competition at Cliff keen Invitational
Table of Contents
The University of Wyoming wrestling team is set to compete in the prestigious Cliff Keen Invitational in Las vegas, Nevada, this Friday and Saturday, offering a crucial early-season test against some of the nation’s top programs. The two-day tournament, hosted at the Westgate Hotel Paradise Event Center and streamed live on Flo Wrestling, represents a significant challenge for the Cowboys as they navigate a demanding schedule.
A Challenging Early Season
The Cowboys have already participated in the National Duals Invitational and other competitions,but the Cliff Keen Invitational marks their first multi-day event featuring a concentration of highly ranked opponents. According to the team’s head coach, preparation is paramount. “We better come out and be ready to fight hard for seven minutes,” he stated.”We better be ready to win the tough positions and wrestle in all positions and be very physical and be moving forward and staying in the middle of the mat and be ready to throw. it’s going to be a great opportunity to see how our kids react in that environment.”
Elite Field Awaits in Las Vegas
The tournament boasts a remarkably competitive field, with three teams currently ranked in the top 10 of the NWCA Coaches’ Poll and seven in the top 20. Over 100 ranked grapplers are expected to participate, providing Wyoming wrestlers with invaluable opportunities to secure impactful wins and improve their early-season rankings. The coach emphasized the level of competition, stating, “To do it in this field, you’re going to have to come ready to scrap hard.it’s an elite tournament, and it’s the level of tournament that is close to a Big 12 or NCAA Tournament. You’re going to see some of the top guys in the country. It will be a great test for every one of our guys.”
Key Wrestlers to Watch
Leading the charge for Wyoming is No. 4 Joey Novak (197), who holds a 2-1 season record with one victory over a ranked opponent. Novak is aiming to surpass his fourth-place finish at the 2024 Cliff Keen Invite.
No. 11 Eddie Neitenbach (184) has also started the season strong with a 3-1 record, including two technical falls. His only defeat came against No. 5 Dylan Fishback of Ohio state by a narrow margin of 10-7.
No. 24 Chrisitan Carroll (HWT), a transfer from Iowa State, is 2-2 on the year and seeking his first ranked win. He previously demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level,winning ranked matches at the 2024 Cliff Keen while competing at 197.
No. 24 Gabe Willochell (149), currently 1-1, will be looking to rebound after a recent upset loss at Cal Baptist. He also found success at last year’s Cliff Keen, securing a pair of victories.
No. 29 Riley Davis (174) recently broke into the rankings following an upset win at the National Duals.
Rounding out the Wyoming roster are Sefton Douglass (125), Luke Willochell (133), John Alden (141), Anthony Avila (157), and Sloan swan (165).
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys finished 12th at last year’s Cliff Keen Invitational, accumulating 38.5 points with placers Novak and Jared Hill, who finished fifth at 157. Following the tournament in Las Vegas, Wyoming will return to Laramie to host the four-time defending national champion, No. 1 Penn State, on December 13th at 6 p.m. inside the Arena-Auditorium. This home dual promises to be another significant test for the Cowboys as they continue their 2025-26 season.
