Wolverine wrestlers ready

OREM — The Utah Valley State wrestling team is gearing up for the beginning of its second season of NCAA competition. After a successful first year, the Wolverines and coach Cody Sanderson are anxious to wrestle again.

"I'm confident in saying we exceed the expectations of anyone who thought anything about UVSC wrestling," Sanderson said. "My athletes did everything that I expected of them and everything I taught them to do."

The Wolverines will have a hard time improving on last year's 10-4 record, considering this year's schedule. With dual meets against top 20 teams Iowa State, Boise State and Missouri, UVSC faces tougher competition this season.

"Our schedule is significantly more difficult than last year," Sanderson said. "It's night and day, but our approach will be the same. I expect us to compete hard and with a great effort."

No. 3 Iowa State, Boise State and Adams State will travel to Orem to compete in the Wolverine Duals on Nov. 20.

Because of the more difficult schedule, Sanderson said the team's success would not be measured against last season's record. Winning as many matches as possible is UVSC's goal as wins and losses don't accurately define the team's success.

The deepest weight class for UVSC is 157 pounds. Three of the team's most talented individuals are competing for the spot. Wayne Watts, an NCAA Tournament qualifier, Tanner Cowan and Mark Blain are each in the running.

Cowan, from Juab High School, won three state championships while Blain, from Pleasant Grove High School, won two. One of the three athletes competing at 157 will likely make the jump to 165 to take the starting spot.

"We not only have a more experienced team, but we have a more talented team," Sanderson said.

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL: After back-to-back home matches against BYU and Northern Colorado, the Wolverines have a week off to prepare for a home match against Boise State. The Broncos travel to Orem on Nov. 4.

Utah Valley State senior rightside hitter Deise Borghetti was named the NCAA Division I Independent Offensive Player of the Week for her performances against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas-Pan American on Oct. 15 and 16.