LARAMIE, Wyo. — The NCAA has released its bracket for the national wrestling championships, and six University of Wyoming athletes were tapped to represent their school on the biggest stage.
The field reveal Tuesday didn’t concern three of the six Pokes. Jared Hill (157), Eddie Neitenbach (184) and Sam Mitchell (HWT) all secured an automatic bid via their placement at the Big 12 Tournament. Neitenbach and Mitchell both took fourth, while Hill placed fifth.
Joey Novak (197) didn’t technically have a spot following a fifth-place finish at Big 12s, but his computer numbers — No. 10 in Coaches’ Rank and No. 9 in RPI — essentially made it a moot point. Gabe Willochell (149) was more bubbly after his eighth-place finish at the conference tournament; however, his strong regular season — ranked No. 24 in Coaches’ Poll and No. 17 in RPI — earned him a ticket to Philly as well.
Cole Brooks (141) is the first alternate at his weight class. He will travel, and in the event that a 141-pounder doesn’t make weight or can’t compete, Brooks will step in.
The NCAA will now seed all the wrestlers and build the bracket. That will be released on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The championships run from March 20 to March 22.
