Bears Clipped, 19-16, in WWC Battle with Cowboys

Feb. 21, 2007

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GREELEY, Colo. - The University of Northern Colorado wrestling team just narrowly missed a victory over border-rival Wyoming on Wednesday night, falling to the Cowboys 19-16 in their home and regular-season finale.

The match between the two Western Wrestling Conference teams was very even throughout, with neither team gaining more than a six-point lead until the second-to-last match of the evening.

In that match, with Northern Colorado (5-11, 2-4 WWC) trailing 16-10, the Bears' Blayze Bahe (133 pounds) got an early takedown and was holding on to a 3-1 lead late in the third period. With just three seconds left, Wyoming's (5-9, 4-1) Cory VomBaur scored a takedown to tie the score at three, and send the match into overtime.

In the extra period, VomBaur notched another takedown, with just eight seconds left, for a 5-3 victory that put the Cowboys out in front 19-10 and locked up the match.

With a Northern Colorado victory in that match, the odds for victory would have been in the Bears' favor, considering the evening's last match featured No. 14-ranked Kenny Hashimoto.

As expected, the standout sophomore dominated in his match, taking an 8-0 lead into the second period, where he would end the match with a pin at the 3:44 mark.

Luke Salazar earned a victory at 157 in the final home match of his career, taking a major decision 11-2 in the evening's second match. Ryan Johnson, a late replacement for Shawn Vincent, filled in well, shutting out his opponent with a 7-0 decision.

Heavyweight Reece Hopkin also picked up a win, earning a 8-3 decision.

As one of two Northern Colorado sports eligible for postseason play, the wrestlers will now prepare for the NCAA West Regionals, on March 3 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Wyoming 19, Northern Colorado 16
149 - Carter Downing (WYO) dec. Richard Lohr (UNC), 8-4
157 - Luke Salazar (UNC) major dec. Dane Fuhrman (WYO),11-2
165 - Kyle Morrow (WYO) dec. Devan Lewis (UNC), 3-2
174 - Bryan Bernal (WYO) dec. Chase Walker (UNC), 2-0
184 - Ryan Johnson (UNC) dec. Dan Barrone (WYO), 7-0
197 - Sam Wendland (WYO) major dec. Calen Nicholl (UNC), 16-5
Hwt - Reece Hopkin (UNC) dec. Jason Still (WYO), 8-3
125 - Nick Ramirez (WYO) dec. Tony Mustari (UNC) , 3-2
133 - Cory VomBaur (WYO) dec. Blayze Bahe (UNC), 5-3
141 - No. 13 Kenny Hashimoto (UNC) pin Garrett Desmond (WYO), 3:44