Wrestling 8/30/2024 10:00:00 AM

UCO's Eli Kirk To Compete In U20 World Championships

Redshirt Freshman wrestler will compete Sept. 3-4 in Spain

Eli Kirk has yet to compete for Central Oklahoma's powerhouse wrestling program, but the redshirt freshman will be on the international stage next week at the U20 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain as a member of the Puerto Rico National Team.

Kirk won a qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in April to earn his spot on the squad. He will wrestle at 60 kilograms (132.3 pounds) in the Greco-Roman portion of the competition on Sept. 3-4, with 26 wrestlers from around the world set to participate.

"I just want to wrestle to the best of my ability and represent UCO overseas in a positive way," said Kirk, who left for Spain Thursday. "I'm not chasing a medal, that won't define me. My goal is to represent my faith and do my best and let God do the rest."

A four-time state placer and two-time state champion at Guthrie High School, Kirk went 10-3 while competing in three open tournaments at 125 and 133 pounds during his redshirt year in 2023-24. He's set to battle for the starting berth at 133 this season.

"This is a great opportunity for Eli," head coach Todd Steidley said. "He's been working hard to get ready and we're really proud of him. He's a great representative of UCO and our program. We're excited to see how he does next week and obviously he has a great future ahead with us."

Kirk's mom (Lisa) was born in Puerto Rico, which makes him eligible to compete internationally for the U.S. territory. He finished third in the Freestyle portion of the April tournament while winning the Greco-Roman title. The legs may not be used in any way to obtain a fall in Greco-Roman wrestling and no holds may be taken below the waist.

It's been a busy summer for Kirk, who has gone through two-hour practices five or six times a week along with strength and conditioning work since earning his spot in the U20 World Championships.

"I've been pushing myself to get ready and I know all this hard work with pay off," Kirk said. "I'm excited and ready to go."

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Players Mentioned

Eli Kirk: 5' 6"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Eli Kirk
: 5' 6"; Freshman