Wrestle-Off Notes: 125 & 133 lbs.

125 Pound Wrestle-Offs

Taylor Golba – Taylor is in his third year at UB.  As a freshman, he wrestled at 125 pounds before moving up to 133 late in the year.  Taylor spent time spot-starting for us at both 125 and 133 pounds.  He went 11-15 his freshman year and placed 4th at the NYS Collegiate “B” Bracket.  As a sophomore, Taylor redshirted and went 8-4 and placed 3rd at the NCCC Open.  After the collegiate season ended, he had a great performance becoming an All-American at the University Nationals where he placed 7th at 138.75 pounds.  Taylor has really stepped-up his game this year and has improved his consistency in practice.  He has a very good upper-body and is explosive.  Fun Fact:  Taylor has the best mohawk on the team.

Sean Walton – Sean is a second year wrestler that redshirted last year as a true freshman.  He wrestled over 40 times (including freestyle matches) last year and got a lot of good experience.  He went 21-13 on the year as he placed 3rd at the ESU Open, 6th at the UB Open, 3rd at the NCCC Open, 5th at the Ashland Open, and 4th at the Edinboro Open.  He is tough on top and had 12 pins last year.  Fun Fact:  Sean spent two weeks this summer wrestling and training in Russia as part of the NWCA All-American Tour.

Note:  Mike and Max Soria are both projected to redshirt this year and will not wrestle-off on Sunday.  They will open the 12PM session by dazzling the crowd with some high-level technique and some other exciting tricks.  Fun Facts:  They were born on Friday the 13th both at about 1 pound and 9 ounces.  Max Soria can solve a rubix cube in less than 2 minutes.  Mike does free running in his spare time.  Check out his youtube videos.

133 Pound Wrestle-Offs


Justin Farmer – Justin is in his second year at UB.  He is a probable redshirt this season.  Justin wrestled his way to a 16-15 record last season and placed 4th at the UB Open, 4th at the New York State Collegiate “B” Tournament, and 2nd at the NCCC Open.  Justin is a very good scrambler and has some good leg attacks.  Fun Fact:  Justin’s older brother Kenny is gaining popularity as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter but Justin claims to have the upper-hand on him in the cage.


Kevin Smith – Kevin is a redshirt junior.  He is expected to once again start at 133 pounds.  He has been ranked in the top 8 in the country and we certainly expect him to be an All-American and Naitonal Champion.  He is as good as anyone in the country at 133 pounds.  Last year, Kevin was a finalist at four tournmants: the MAC Conference Tournament, the Body Bar, the UB Open, and the New York State Collegiate Tournament.  He won the New York State Collegiate Tournament as a freshman and is a two-time NWCA Academic All-American selection.  Last year he was a national qualifier.  Kevin is a complete wrestler and is good in nearly every position.  Fun Fact:  Kevin just began his fourth year at UB but has already begun his doctoral program in physical therapy.