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Dalton Abney

Wrestling 3/11/2023 10:39:00 PM

Abney, Streck Capture National Titles

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 11) – Dalton Abney and Shawn Streck put the final stamp on Central Oklahoma's national team title by capturing back-to-back individual gold medals at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships Saturday night.

Abney earned a tight 1-0 decision to claim his second straight 197-pound crown and Streck breezed to an 8-3 victory in becoming UCO's first-ever winner at heavyweight to highlight an incredible team performance over the two-day tournament.

UCO had a school-record nine All-Americans in finishing with 121 points. Dylan Lucas (133), Nate Keim (141) and Ty Lucas (165) all finished third, while 184 Alex Kauffman took fifth, 149 Brik Filippo sixth and 157 Gabe Johnson and 174 Anthony DesVigne seventh.

The Bronchos pulled off eight upsets of higher-seeded individuals in the tournament and finished 22-6 in the consolations -- winning 12 of 13 during one stretch – in ending a 16-year championship drought. UCO ended with 121 points, finishing 43 ahead of runner-up Lander. It was UCO's 16th championship, including the eighth in Division II to tie the all-time record held by Nebraska-Omaha and Cal State-Bakersfield.

"Dalton and Shawn were both more interested in winning the team title, but I'm really glad they ended the tournament like this for us," head coach Todd Steidley. "They both worked so hard this year and put a lot of effort into this event. It was a great way to finish the weekend."

The top-seeded Abney beat Indianapolis' No. 2 Derek Blubaugh in the finals for the second straight year, with the only scoring coming on Abney's third-period escape. Blubaugh came close to a takedown on the edge of the mat at the end of the first period, but he couldn't penetrate Abney's defense after that.

The junior standout finished the season 23-2 and is now 72-6 for his career. He became the 12th four-time All-American in school history and the 18th multiple national champion.

Streck overwhelmed Glenville State's second-seeded Jared Campbell to polish off a dominating season. The top-seeded junior struck for takedowns in each period to go along with an escape and riding time point.

Streck, who missed the first month of the season recovering from shoulder surgery, finished 26-0 and is now 38-2 as a two-time All-American for the Bronchos.

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Players Mentioned

Dalton Abney

Dalton Abney: 6' 1"; Junior; 197

Anthony DesVigne

Anthony DesVigne: 5' 11"; Junior

Brik Filippo

Brik Filippo: 5' 8"; Senior; 149

Gabe Johnson

Gabe Johnson: 5' 8"; Redshirt Freshman

Alex Kauffman

Alex Kauffman: 5' 10"; Senior

Nate Keim

Nate Keim: 5' 7"; Senior; 141

Ty Lucas

Ty Lucas: 5' 9"; Senior; 157

Shawn Streck

Shawn Streck: 6' 1"; Junior; 285

Dylan Lucas

Dylan Lucas: 5' 6"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Dalton Abney

Dalton Abney
: 6' 1"; Junior; 197

Anthony DesVigne

Anthony DesVigne
: 5' 11"; Junior

Brik Filippo

Brik Filippo
: 5' 8"; Senior; 149

Gabe Johnson

Gabe Johnson
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Freshman

Alex Kauffman

Alex Kauffman
: 5' 10"; Senior

Nate Keim

Nate Keim
: 5' 7"; Senior; 141

Ty Lucas

Ty Lucas
: 5' 9"; Senior; 157

Shawn Streck

Shawn Streck
: 6' 1"; Junior; 285

Dylan Lucas

Dylan Lucas
: 5' 6"; Sophomore