Utah Valley University’s Ty Smith has been named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week for the week of Jan. 15-21. Smith went 1-0 in his matches during the week, headlined by a win over No. 8 Clay Carlson of South Dakota State.
Smith, who is unranked, entered the match against No. 8 Carlson as a huge underdog. Smith led early with the score of 4-2 but Carlson came back to take a 5-4 lead. Smith regained the lead as he answered with three points of his own taking a 7-5 lead. Smith held off a late comeback attempt from Carlson and won the match 7-6 earning three points for the Wolverines in a 29-12 loss to the Jackrabbits.
The upset is Smith’s biggest win of the season and boosted his season record over .500 to 5-4 and 2-1 in BIG 12 matches while competing in the 141 weight class.
This is Smith’s first BIG 12 Wrestler of the Week honor. He is the first Wolverine to win the award since Taylor LaMont, who received the honor in Jan. 2020.
For more information and a full wrestling schedule visit go.uvu.edu.
