The University of Northern Colorado wrestling team faced a challenging match against the University of Wyoming on February 10, 2024, concluding with a 25-10 defeat. Despite the loss, graduate student Dominick Serrano showcased his skills, earning a significant victory that highlighted his season performance.
Competing in the 133-pound weight class, Serrano, currently ranked 11th nationally, secured a major decision with a decisive 15-3 win over No. 23 Luke Willochell at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley. This victory was one of three matches won by the Bears during the Big XII Conference dual against the No. 24-ranked Cowboys.
Alongside Serrano, teammates Daishun Powe and Murphy Menke also contributed victories. Powe achieved an 11-4 decision against Antonio Avila, while Menke triumphed over No. 28 Riley Davis in a tiebreaker match. The dual marked the second-to-last home competition for the Bears, with their next match scheduled against Utah Valley on Sunday at 1 p.m., coinciding with UNC’s senior day.
Serrano’s current season reflects his impressive capabilities. With a record of 12-1, he has solidified his status as the Bears’ standout wrestler. Notably, he achieved a perfect 5-0 record at the prestigious Southern Scuffle last month, where he was recognized as the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler. His only loss this season occurred against Evan Frost of Iowa State, who is ranked third nationally, in a dual match in late January.
In addition to his collegiate achievements, Serrano has a distinguished background, having earned four high school state championships. Last year, he concluded the season with an overall record of 18-2 and won his first Big XII championship. Although he entered the NCAA Championships as the fifth seed in the 133-pound category, he did not place.
The results from the dual against Wyoming are as follows:
– 125 lbs: Sefton Douglass (Wyoming) decision Bryson Valdez (Northern Colorado), 3-0
– 133 lbs: No. 10 Dominick Serrano (Northern Colorado) major decision No. 23 Luke Willochell (Wyoming), 15-3
– 141 lbs: David Saenz (Wyoming) technical fall Ramon Salazar (Northern Colorado), 19-3
– 149 lbs: No. 28 Gabe Willochell (Wyoming) decision KJ Evans (Northern Colorado), 13-8
– 157 lbs: Daishun Powe (Northern Colorado) decision Antonio Avila (Wyoming), 11-4
– 165 lbs: No. 32 Sloan Swan (Wyoming) decision Kilian Schultz (Northern Colorado), 5-4
– 174 lbs: Murphy Menke (Northern Colorado) tiebreaker-2 No. 28 Riley Davis (Wyoming), 2-1
– 184 lbs: No. 9 Eddie Neitenbach (Wyoming) major decision Mahonri Rushton (Northern Colorado), 15-6
– 197 lbs: No. 4 Joey Novak (Wyoming) major decision Tyler Perry (Northern Colorado), 10-1
– HWT: Winston McBride (Wyoming) decision Enzo Cappabianca (Northern Colorado), 1-0
As the Bears prepare for their next challenge, Serrano’s performance continues to be a beacon of hope for the team, demonstrating both skill and determination as they head towards the end of the season.
