Get ready for some intense action on the wrestling mat! The University of Wyoming's wrestling team is gearing up for a thrilling showdown at the Reno Tournament of Champions, marking the end of their 2025 schedule. But here's the twist: only a select group of wrestlers will step into the Reno Events Center this Sunday at 10 a.m., and you can catch all the live action streaming on Flo.
This isn’t just any tournament—it’s a chance for some of the younger, less-experienced wrestlers to shine. Eleven Cowboys are set to compete, including Isaiah Harrison (125), John Alden (141), David Saenz (141), Cody Phelps (141), Christian Herrera (141), Antonio Avila (149), Seamus Casey (165), Lane Foard (174), Westen Hoffschneider (174), Gunner Henry (197), and Winston McBride (HWT).
Head coach Mark Branch highlights the significance of this opportunity: ‘A lot of these guys don’t have many matches under their belt this year. Most are young, and the value of gaining experience early can’t be overstated. The more they wrestle, the faster they grow.’
Among them, John Alden stands out as the most seasoned competitor this season, having started in all of Wyoming’s duals and invitationals, though his 1-6 record shows room for improvement. The other ten wrestlers have primarily served as backups, with only a handful of starts between them. For instance, David Saenz competed at Western Wyoming and the National Duals Invitational at 133 pounds before Luke Willochell took over the starting spot. Antonio Avila has two starts, but the remaining eight wrestlers have yet to see action this season—though that doesn’t mean their time isn’t coming.
And this is the part most people miss: this tournament isn’t just about experience; it’s about earning a spot in the lineup. Coach Branch explains, ‘We have a few guys going to Reno to prove they deserve a say in the season. They want to be starters, and this is their chance to show it.’
The stakes are high, especially for Antonio Avila, who claimed the Reno Tournament of Champions title last season, and Christian Herrera, who placed fifth. Can they repeat their success? Or will a new star emerge?
After Reno, the Cowboys will take a holiday break before returning to action on January 3-4 at the Soldier Salute Tournament in Coralville, Iowa.
But here’s the controversial question: Is it fair to throw young, inexperienced wrestlers into such a high-pressure tournament? Some argue it’s a necessary rite of passage, while others worry about the risk of burnout or injury. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
For more on the wrestlers, check out their profiles:
- John Alden
- Antonio Avila
- Seamus Casey
- Christian Herrera
- Westen Hoffschneider
- Winston McBride
- David Saenz
- Cody Phelps
- Lane Foard
- Isaiah Harrison
- Gunner Henry
- Luke Willochell
