MEEKER I University of Wyoming Cowboy senior Joe LeBlanc remained undefeated (11-0) in his quest for a NCAA Division I national wrestling title.
LeBlanc, a three-time All-American for the Cowboys, entered the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational as the fourth-ranked 184-pounder in the nation by Intermat Rankings. He moved up one spot in this week’s rankings after defeating Steve Bosak of Cornell in the finals. Bosak was ranked third before the tournament.
LeBlanc opened the tournament with pins against Cody McAninch (Northern Colorado) and Zachariah Jiminez of San Francisco State. He dominated Cody Magrum of Ohio State 17-1 and beat 10th ranked Josh Ihnen of Nebraska in the semifinals. LeBlanc won the title with a solid 7-3 win over Bosak in the championship match.
LeBlanc was named the Western Wrestling Conference Wrestler of the Week after winning a title at the prestigious Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational this past weekend. The conference award was announced Tuesday by the league.
LeBlanc’s mother and several Meeker fans, including his former high school coach Willy Theos and Sam and Ginny Love, traveled to Las Vegas for the tournament.
LeBlanc and his Cowboys will wrestle in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday and compete in the Reno Tournament of Champions Dec. 18 before Christmas break.