Joey Novak Drops 2-1 Decision to Little Rock's Stephen Little at NWCA All-Star Classic
Courtesy photo
PISCATAWAY, New Jersey (11/1/25) – The University of Wyoming wrestling team had representation at the 2025 NWCA All-Star Classic. No. 3 Joey Novak (197) fell to Little Rock’s No. 4 Stephen Little, 2-1, in sudden victory inside Jersey Mike’s Arena on the campus of Rutgers University.
Novak and Little didn’t showcase much offense, neither could. Both were tremendous defensively and two escapes – Little in the second period and Novak in the third period – were the only points scored in regulation.
Novak scrambled to what appeared to be a potential bout-clinching win near the end of overtime. But upon further review, the official deemed that Novak utilized an illegal headlock and awarded Little one point and the victory.
The rest of Novak’s teammates were at Western Wyoming. The Cowboys won that season-opening dual, 39-7.
The Pokes are back in action at National Duals. That takes place inside the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from Nov. 15-16.