Jan. 2, 2008

OREM, Utah - Utah Valley will have its first home and Western Wrestling Conference dual of the season as the Wolverines welcome South Dakota State Thursday evening.

The dual will start at 7 p.m.(MT) in the Shurian Activity Center.

The Wolverines, who have posted a 3-2 record in duals this season, will look to improve upon last season's performance against the Jacks (0-1).

UV hasn't competed for two weeks (Reno Tournament of Champions, Dec. 19) and last wrestled in dual action against UC Davis on Dec. 15. SDSU fell 37-12 to Nebraska in its last competition on Dec. 7.

"This should be a tight dual," UV head coach Greg Williams said. "They handled us pretty easily last year at their place. But, we are a lot better than we were last season. Our kids have worked hard over the break and we look forward to the match."

The Jacks are led by Sean Flynn who has shown flexibility to wrestle at the 149 and 157. Ryan Meyer (165) will also be a tough matchup for the Wolverines.

Benjamin Kjar has been consistent for the Wolverines in the 125-pound division. The redshirt freshman has won each of his five dual matches. The Wolverines Sam Allen (149) has also posted a perfect 5-0 record in duals this season.

"There will be some interesting match ups," Williams said. "I expect us to be more competitive this season than we were last year."

After South Dakota State, the Wolverines will head to Texas for the Lone Star Duals. UV will face off against Brown, Eastern Michigan, Oklahoma City and Wisconsin in the challenging dual tournament.