Utah Valley State Wrestlers Continue Success at UNC Open
by Clint Burgi

November 19, 2005

GREELEY, Colorado — Minus their star wrestler, the Utah Valley State wrestling team still continued to impress at the Old Chicago Northern Colorado Open in Greeley, Colorado on Saturday. Senior Erkin Tadzhimetov, who came into the weekend undefeated, took the day off to fully heal from a sprained jaw, but several other wrestlers had a strong tournament for Utah Valley State.

For the second straight week, junior Talon Vickers took second at the 125 lbs., losing a tough fought 3-1 decision to unattached wrestler Tony Mustari. The junior from Nampa, Idaho reached the finals by pinning three straight opponents, each in the first period.

After dropping his second match of the day, senoir Ivan Bigney rolled off four straight wins before falling in the third place match to Shawn Vincent 7-3. Bigney finished the day with five wins for the Wolverines.

"Ivan had an excellent tournament. He’s made a lot of progress since last season," said Wolverine coach Cody Sanderson. "If he continues to improve he’s really going to have a good senior year."

Freshman Daniel Polkowske continued to show his promise as well as he won six matches on the day and was one win away from wrestling for third place. Polkowske's two losses came to the eventual winner at 141 lbs. and the 4th place finisher.

"Polkowske...he’s beating a lot of guys and it’s even more impressive because he’s kind of undersized...he’s more of 133 lb. sized type guy," said Sanderson.

Tanner Cowan had three wins on the day for the Wolverines, while heavyweight freshman Dallin Norton won twice before losing to the eventual winner.

"Dallin’s really started to understand what it takes to wrestle at the Division-I level," said Sanderson. "In general we wrestled well and I’m pleased with everything and it will be nice to have some time off to prepare for our next tournament."

That next tournament will be the Las Vegas Invitational, which attracts some of the top schools in the country. The invitational will take place December 2-3. The Wolverines will wrestle in their first home dual the following weekend on December 10th against Western State at 7:00pm in the Activity Center.