Wyoming's Brandon Richardson Earns WWC Weekly Award

 

The 149-pound sophomore upset No. 6 Nick Lester of Oklahoma

 

OREM, Utah (Dec. 11, 2012) University of Wyoming 149-pound sophomore Brandon Richardson earned his first career Western Wrestling Conference Wrestler of the Week honor after upsetting sixth-ranked Nick Lester of Oklahoma over the weekend. The conference honor was announced Tuesday by the league.

 

After Oklahoma took a 10-3 lead after three matches on Dec. 7, Richardson gave the Cowboys a spark in the dual versus the Sooners. The Rathdrum, Idaho, native took on the sixth-ranked wrestler in the nation at 149 pounds in OU's Lester and earned the biggest win of his career by upsetting him. Richardson beat Lester for the first time ever in a gritty 4-3 decision on the road. Richardson avenged an 8-1 loss to Lester on Jan. 4, 2012.

 

The victory gave UW three team points in a close dual, and allowed No. 20 Wyoming to upset 10th-ranked Oklahoma, 25-13.

 

It was Richardson's ninth win of the year and first versus a ranked wrestler. The conference honor was also his first of the season and the first of his career. 

 

The Western Wrestling Conference, which is in its seventh year of competition, is comprised of six schools including the Air Force Academy, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, South Dakota State, Utah Valley and Wyoming.

 

2012-13 WWC Wrestlers of the Week

Nov. 6 - Alfonso Hernandez (Wyoming)

Nov. 13 - Josh Wilson (Utah Valley)

Nov. 20 - Cole VonOhlen (Air Force)

Nov. 27 - Trent Sprenkle (North Dakota State)

Dec. 4 - Steven Monk (North Dakota State)

Dec. 11 - Brandon Richardson (Wyoming)

 

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