OREM, Utah – In their 2015-16 season home opener, the Utah Valley University wrestling team beat the Boise State Broncos 22-12 in a dual meet on Saturday afternoon in front of 1,789 fans. 197-pounder Derek Thomas sealed the victory with a 15-0 technical fall win that took the score to 19-12.
The Wolverines improved to 3-3 on the season with the win over the Broncos.
“I seriously was pleased with every single one of our guys and how they fought,” UVU head coach Greg Williams said. “I think that they believe in themselves and the work that they’re doing in the room’s paying off, which is something that we struggled with last year.”
Chasen Tolbert got the Wolverines off to a strong start in the 125-pound class with a dominant 14-0 major decision over Rami Haddadin. After the first period alone, Tolbert had a commanding 8-0 lead. 133-pounder Jade Rauser continued the momentum with a 14-1 major decision, including a four-point near fall in the closing seconds of the third period, over Josh Newberg. The major decisions gave UVU an early 8-0 lead over BSU.
After the early lead, UVU dropped four straight decisions and the Broncos gained a 12-8 advantage. To end the streak, 174-pounder Ross Taylor muscled out a riding time bonus point and took a 3-2 decision. Will Sumner followed Taylor’s performance in the 184-pound match by controlling his opponent en route to victory by decision and a 14-12 UVU lead.
Thomas put the dagger in the Broncos by taking Zack Coffman to three four-point near falls and 14 points in the first two periods. The third period was short as Thomas earned his final point by escape just four seconds into the period.
“Derek’s wrestling well, he’s wrestling real confident,” said Williams. “That was a great win.”
Dustin Dennison finished off the impressive dual meet for the Wolverines with a 8-4 decision in the heavyweight matchup.
Tolbert and Thomas also continued their impressive start to their senior seasons as both improved to 6-0 on the season.
UVU travels to Las Vegas next for the Cliff Keen Invitational, which takes place December 4th and 5th.
