Buchanan earns All-American honors at NCAA Championships

ST. LOUIS – Stephen Buchanan became Wyoming’s 36^th NCAA All-American on Friday inside the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Mo. He is the 13^th Cowboy to earn All-American honors during the Mark Branch era.

“Having Stephen come in tonight and be an All-American is what we talk about all year. That’s what it’s all about. It's a great thing for the program and a great thing for Stephen,” Branch said. “Now we will refocus and try to get his hand raised one more time tomorrow.”

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In the quarterfinals at 197 pounds, Buchanan faced No. 1 Myles Amine (MICH). Buchanan would hang with his top-seeded opponent, pushing him to the brink before losing a tight 7-6 decision.

Buchanan’s loss would set up a win or go home match against No. 19 Thomas Penola (PUR). Buchanan scored a late first-period takedown and controlled the match from there, winning 6-2. He is the first Wyoming All-American since Bryce Meredith and Montorie Bridges in 2018.

Buchanan will wrap up his NCAA Tournament tomorrow against No. 15 Michael Beard (PSU) in the seventh-place match.

Jacob Wright’s incredible NCAA tournament run ended just short of All-American honors, with a 10-2 loss to No. 5 Kaleb Young (IOWA) in the blood round. Wright entered the weekend as the 23 seed and was a match away from earning a top-eight spot.

On the consolation side of the bracket Hayden Hastings picked up a win over No. 13 Jackson Hemauer (UNCO), who defeated Hastings at the Big 12 championships. Hastings exacted his revenge in dominant fashion, controlling the match from whistle to whistle, winning 8-1.

At heavyweight, Brian Andrews knocked off No. 19 Josh Heindselman (OU). Tied 1-1 in overtime, Andrews struck fast and left no doubt scoring a big takedown off a strong-double-leg shot.

After the second day of the NCAA Championships, Wyoming sits in a tie for 25^th with 15.5 team points. The placing rounds have begun.

Day Two Results

157 - Jacob Wright

Quarterfinals – No. 2 Hayden Hidlay (NCST) Fall (2:33) over No. 23 Wright (WYO)

Consi. Round of 12: No. 5 Kaleb Young (IOWA) Major Dec. No. 23 Wright (WYO) 10-2

165 - Cole Moody

Consi. Round 2:

No. 14 Peyton Robb (NEB) Major Dec. Moody (WYO) 15-7

174 - Hayden Hastings

Consi. Round 2: No. 14 Hastings (WYO) Dec. No. 13 Jackson Hemauer (UNCO) 8-1

Consi. Round 3: No. 11 Austin Murhpy (CAMP) Dec. No. 14 Hastings (WYO) 3-1

184 - Tate Samuelson