KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Oct. 27) – Three-time defending champion Central Oklahoma has been tabbed the favorite in the 2023-24 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association wrestling race, according to the preseason coaches poll released Friday.
The Bronchos of eighth-year head coach Todd Steidley received five first-place votes in balloting of the league's six coaches in finishing with 25 points. Nebraska-Kearney earned the remaining first-place vote and is second with 21 points.
Central Missouri and Fort Hays State tied for third with 15 points, while Newman and new affiliate member Ouachita Baptist both had seven points in a tie for seventh.
UCO has won 15 straight MIAA matches in claiming the last three conference titles. The Bronchos finished 13-1 overall last year before capturing a third consecutive regional title on their way to running away with the NCAA Division II national championship.
Five All-Americans return from last year's squad, led by national champions Dalton Abney and Shawn Streck. Dylan Lucas, Gabe Johnson and Anthony DesVigne were all national placers last season.
UCO will hold its annual Bronze-Blue intrasquad match at 4 p.m. Sunday, with last year's team members set to receive their national championship rings before the dual.
The Bronchos take on Ouachita Baptist in the season and MIAA opener Nov. 1 in Little Rock, Ark.
2023-24 MIAA Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Oklahoma [5] – 25 points
2. Nebraska Kearney [1] – 21 points
T3. Central Missouri – 15 points
T3. Fort Hays State – 15 points
T5. Newman – 7 points
T5. Ouachita Baptist – 7 points
