Wyoming’s wrestling team put together its best finish of Branch’s decade-long tenure at the helm last season at the NCAA championships, coming in at No. 17 nationally. That was with three-time All-American Bryce Meredith, Big 12 champion Archie Colgan and a handful of other seniors.
All of that talent and experience was replaced this season by a barrage of underclassmen, including three freshmen in the starting lineup.
“I expected it to be a growing year and going through some growing pains when it came to duals especially,” Branch said, “but this team has surprised me.”
The youngsters have blended with the few seasoned wrestlers the Cowboys have left to put together one of the best seasons in program history.