Utah Tech Wrestlers Shine at the West Coast Conference Championships

Las Vegas, NV – March 2, 2024 – The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, played host to the West Coast Conference Wrestling Championships, where the Utah Tech University wrestling teams, both men's and women's, delivered performances that were nothing short of historic. Demonstrating unparalleled depth and skill, the teams qualified an impressive total of 23 wrestlers for the National Collegiate Wrestling Tournament, setting a new benchmark for excellence.

The Utah Tech women's team won the Conference Team Runner-Up title in a thrilling competition that saw them narrowly miss out on top honors to the formidable Ottawa AZ University, the reigning national champions. This achievement was underscored by exceptional individual performances across various weight classes, propelling these athletes into the national spotlight and solidifying their reputation as formidable contenders. Showcasing skill and unwavering determination, Carly Neville clinched 2nd place in the 101-lb weight class and a prestigious #3 National Ranking. Lauren Mills dominated the 123-lb weight class, securing the top spot and cementing her status as the #1 ranked female wrestler in the nation. In the 130-lb class, Kali Westover had a commanding performance, earning a conference championship and a #4 national ranking. Abbey French and Ashley Lavarius fought valiantly to a 3rd-place finish in the 143 lb and 155 lb classes, respectively. Contributions from Alexa Camacho and Kendra Juarez were significant, with 4th and 6th place finishes adding depth to the team's performance. Tayleigh Robertson, in the 170 lb weight class, was unstoppable, clinching 1st place and a #2 National Ranking. The collective success of the team was further highlighted by the awarding of the Conference Coach of the Year, a testament to the strategic mastery and dedication of the coaching staff.

The men's team paralleled the women's success, securing the Runner-Up position in the team category and nearly eclipsing 5X Conference champions UNLV. In a standout performance in the 165 lb weight class, Nicolas Guynn earned his second conference title and was honored as the Outstanding Wrestler for achieving the most falls in the least amount of time. In one of the toughest matches of the night, the 174 lb weight class was a showcase of Utah Tech's dominance, with Landon Cabral and Cael Houston, both of UT Tech, placing 1st and 2nd, respectively, in a display of skill and determination that captivated the audience. Cesar Ubico (197 lb) and Micah Vuki (285 lb) both secured top positions in their respective weight classes, with Ubico defeating last year's conference champion in a commanding fashion. The team's prowess was further evidenced by strong finishes across the board, including a 2nd place finish by Austin Mattson (184 lb) and 3rd place finish by Byron Anderson (235 lb), who solidified Utah Tech's emerging status as a powerhouse in NCWA collegiate wrestling. Other notable performances included a 4th place finish by Wyatt Coulam (149 lb), 5th place finishes for TJ Rex (157 lb) and Kason Longmore (197 lb), and 6th place finishes for Tyrese McKneeley (235 lb) and Ruben Zarate (285 lb), all qualifying for the National Tournament. Dillon Conner (141 lb), Q Boyd (157 lb), and Victor Boston (165 lf) all earned coveted Wildcard Bids to Nationals, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination.

Qualifying a record 23 wrestlers for the National Collegiate Wrestling Tournament, set for next week in Shreveport, LA, the Utah Tech wrestling teams head into the nationals riding a wave of momentum and confidence. Under the guidance of Head Coach Corey Anderson and assistant coaches Jeff Guynn, Kerry Anderson, and David Howell, Utah Tech Wrestling is poised for national acclaim, ready to challenge the country's best and continue their historic journey. The 2024 West Coast Conference Wrestling Championships will be remembered for the fierce competition and incredible athleticism on display and the moment Utah Tech Wrestling announced its arrival on the national stage, ready to contend with the best and forge a legacy of excellence.