Full Match Results (PDF)

OREM, UTAH - Utah Valley State wrestling coach Cody Sanderson can sleep a little easier at night. After losing four straight duals, the Wolverine wrestlers picked up a 28-21 win over Portland State on Thursday.

"I feel a lot better now than I did a week ago," Sanderson said. "This is good for the teams confidence. A lot of confidence comes with preparation and success."

But that good feeling for Sanderson didn't come until the final match of the night. 

Before the match began, the Utah Valley State wrestling team's back was against the wall. Due to injuries, the Wolverines did not have a wrestler at the 149-pound weight class. The forfeit automatically gave Portland State six points. Despite the setback, the Wolverines were strong through out the match and picked up their second win of the year.

"It shows the character on the team," Utah Valley State coach Cody Sanderson said. "The guys have a great deal of character."

With Utah Valley clinging to a 22-15 lead, Wolverine wrestler Clayton Wolfe pinned Josh Carroll of Portland State in the second round of the 141-pound match to seal the win. 

Wolfe was forced to wrestle down a weight class due to injuries in the Wolverine line up. Had Wolfe lost the match, Portland State would have won the match due to the forfeit. Portland State wasn't awarded the six points until after Wolfe's match.

"That pin saved the meet for us," Sanderson said.

Along with Wolfe, five other Wolverines picked up wins. Tanner Cowan (157 pound weight class), Mark Blain (165 pound weight class), and Ivan Bigney (184 pound weight class) all picked up wins by decision. Wayne Watts a the 174 pound match and Talon Vickers in the 125 pound match both pinned their opponent.

"Mark Blain and Wayne Watts really wrestled well," Sanderson said. "Mark keeps working hard and is getting better and better."

Sanderson also said he was extremely pleased with the performance of Vickers.

"Talon is working hard and getting better and better with every match," he said. "His confidence is getting better with every match."

The Wolverines are back in action next Thursday at Western State. Their final home match of the year is Feb. 12 against Wyoming.