Wrestling 3/8/2024 10:49:00 AM Mike Kirk

National Tournament Site Is Closest Ever For UCO

Central Oklahoma will be competing in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships for the 34th time next week and never before have the Bronchos had less miles to cover to get to the tournament site.

Top-ranked UCO will send eight qualifiers to Hartman Arena in Wichita, Kan. on March 15-16 – a mere 158 miles from Edmond – and a large contingent of Broncho fans are expected to attend in support of the defending national champions.

The Bronchos have captured eight Division II national titles in six different states – Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and West Virgina. Two of those championships were won in Kearney, Neb. (1995 and 2007) and that 428-mile jaunt is the closest Division II national tournament site UCO has ever had.

"It's not often our teams get a chance to compete for a national championship in close proximity to our own campus and community," Central athletic director Stan Wagnon said. "It's a pretty special combination for this year's event to be nearby, plus for our team to be in position to contend for the championship.

"I know our wrestlers and coaches will feed off the atmosphere and support our fans provide, so it's a rare opportunity. We invite Broncho fans and alumni to show up and help us capture the moment."

This year's national tournament gets underway at 10 a.m. Friday, March 15, with preliminary and first-round matches, followed by the quarterfinals and two rounds on consolations at 5 p.m. Action resumes at 10 a.m. Saturday with the semifinals and completion of all consolation matches, with the championship finals at 7 p.m.

"We're very fortunate that the national tournament is in Wichita," head coach Todd Steidley said. "It couldn't be any better for us and hopefully our fans will come out and support us.

"It's going to be a great team race and we're in the fight. I think the difference could be the fans and support they give us."

The Bronchos qualified eight individuals for the national tournament in winning their fourth straight regional title last week. Defending national champions Dalton Abney (197) and Shawn Streck (Hvy) lead the way along with returning All-Americans Dylan Lucas (141), Gabe Johnson (157) and Anthony DesVigne (174). Dylan Brown (149), Hunter Jump (165) and Garrett Wells (184) will all be making their first national tournament appearance.

UCO has a group block at the Hilton Garden Inn Wichita Downtown and fans are encouraged to make the short trip up I-35 to cheer on the Bronchos.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Dalton Abney: 6' 1"; Senior

Anthony DesVigne: 5' 11"; Senior

Gabe Johnson: 5' 8"; Sophomore

Hunter Jump: 6' 2"; Junior

Dylan Lucas: 5' 6"; Junior

Shawn Streck: 6' 1"; Senior

Garrett Wells: 5' 11"; Redshirt Freshman

Dylan Brown: 5' 6"; Junior

Players Mentioned

Dalton Abney
: 6' 1"; Senior

Anthony DesVigne
: 5' 11"; Senior

Gabe Johnson
: 5' 8"; Sophomore

Hunter Jump
: 6' 2"; Junior

Dylan Lucas
: 5' 6"; Junior

Shawn Streck
: 6' 1"; Senior

Garrett Wells
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Freshman

Dylan Brown
: 5' 6"; Junior