Western's Men's Basketball Team recently won the Region IX tournament. Left to right in front are Justin Boley, Sindou Cisse, Malakai Olson, Jalen Blaize, LeChaun Duhart, Coach Steve Soza, Trey Marble, Dayne Prim, and Manel Ayol. Players in back, from left to right are Chase Stoeger, Tray Pierce, Trevor Trost, Elijah Archuletta, Derek Lionberger, Lain Mitchelson, and Kenneth Norman. Not pictured: Coaches Kameron Pearce and Chase Haughian.
From Western Wyoming Community College
Western Wyoming Community College Athletics had an exciting weekend two weeks ago. The men's basketball team won the Region IX tournament, which qualified them for the NJCAA national tournament originally scheduled for March 16-21. Mustang Wrestlers won the National Academic Team of the Year, and finished in sixth place at nationals.
Western's Mustang Basketball team has had an outstanding season under the leadership of Head Coach Steven Soza, who was named Region IX North Coach of the Year.
Their win at the Region IX tournament is a first in Western basketball history. Manel Ayol, was awarded Region IX Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference, and Dayne Prim was awarded Second Team All-Conference.
In the Region IX Tournament, three of Western's basketball players won First Team All-Tournament. They were Sindou Cisse, Trey Marble, and LeChaun Duhart. Manel Ayol and Trevor Trost were awarded Second Team All-Tournament.
"This year has been remarkable. We have a great group of kids who genuinely care about one another, their school work, and spending time in the gym improving. They made a commitment when they arrived on campus this past fall to win the Region IX Title and get to Hutch.
They accomplished their goal and now have shifted their focus on bringing a National Title back to Rock Springs and Western Wyoming Community College," Soza said.
The Mustang Wrestling team finished in sixth at nationals, and 5th among Division I schools. The team's Head Coach, Art Castillo, was named the Region IX Coach of the Year.
Western's wrestlers also finished their season as the Rocky Mountain District Champions – for the third consecutive year.
Seven of Western's wrestlers won All-American status by finishing in the top eight of their weight class:
Tucker Tomlinson, took first place as the National Champion in the 197 pound weight class.
Landon Brown, took 4th place in the 285 pound weight class.
Jace Anderson, took 5th place in the 184 pound weight class.
Kedric Coonis, took 7th place in the 141 pound weight class.
Andrew Nicholson took 7th place in the 174 pound weight class.
Joey Revelli took 8th place in the 149 pound weight class.
Reader Comments(0)