Jan. 10, 2004

Results

Hampton, Va. - The Wyoming Cowboy wrestling team upset the 22nd ranked Edinboro Scotts 23-16 to open up the second day of the 2004 Virginia Duals Saturday in Hampton, Va. The Pokes closed out the tournament with a 27-16 loss to the Rider Broncs .

The Pokes began the second day with their second dual versus a ranked team, No. 22 Edinboro. Wyoming faced No. 20 Purdue in their opening round dual Friday. For the third straight dual, Wyoming's lower weights got the Cowboys out to an early lead. 125 pound sophomore Bryce Leonhardt recorded his second major decision in as many days defeating Chris Pruden 17-4. Sophomore Tyson Shatto took his third victory of the tournament with a 4-1 decision over Jacob Gray in the 133 pound match and 141 pound senior Blake Gunter would put the Pokes up 11-0 with a 8-0 major decision over Ron Doppelheuer. Edinboro would respond and take the next four of five matches to put the Scotts up 16-14. Wyoming won the 157 pound match as senior Andrew Shuler took a 7-3 decision over Eric Ring for his third victory of the tourney.

The Pokes would not back down though as junior Malcolm Havens put UW back on top defeating Jim Gibson 10-5 in the 197 pound bout making the score 17-16 in favor of Wyoming heading into the heavyweight match. Sophomore Dusty Hoffschneider answered the call and secured a UW victory by pinning No. 19 nationally ranked Joe Hennis in 1:52 giving the Pokes a 23-16 victory over the Scotts.

The Pokes faced the Rider Broncs in the next round of the consolation bracket. The Broncs took seven of ten matches against the Cowboys for a 27-16 victory. The Pokes got out to a 12-6 lead after the first three bouts with the help of two forfeits from Rider in the 125 and 141 pound matches.

Wyoming senior Andrew Shuler remained undefeated for the tournament with his 11-3 major decision over Dave Miller. Shuler's victory extending Wyoming's lead to 16-9. Rider would prove to be too much for Wyoming as they ended the dual winning the remaining six matches prevailing 27-16.

Leonhardt (125 pounds) and Gunter (141 pounds) were both 3-0 for the tournament. Leonhardt defeated two of his opponents by major decision and now posts a 13-3 overall record. Gunter won one of his matches via major decision and improved his season record to 15-5. His 15 victories is tied for second on the squad.

The Cowboys will be back on the mat on January 17th when they host the No. 6 ranked Nebraska Huskers. The dual is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the MultiPurpose Gym in Laramie, Wyo.