197 Dalton Abney (Central Oklahoma) over Easton Rendleman (Oklahoma City) (Fall 6:05)
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Perennial national power Central Oklahoma will feature one of its best home schedules in years

EDMOND (Oct. 3) – Perennial national power Central Oklahoma will feature one of its best home schedules in years in 2022-23, with the Bronchos set to host six home duals along with the NCAA Division II Super Regional IV Tournament.

The 15-time national champion Bronchos are coming off a perfect 13-0 dual season and should once again be a prime national contender. UCO captured the NWCA Division II National Duals title, claimed its second straight regional title and finished runner-up in the NCAA Division II Championships last year.

“We’ve put together a really good schedule and one that’s certainly going to test us,” said head coach Todd Steidley, who is 73-11 entering his seventh year at the helm. “We want to face the best teams to get our guys prepared for the national tournament. We’re excited about the season and look forward to having another great year.”

All six home duals at Hamilton Field House will be against Division II competition, starting with a Nov. 4 date against Northern State. The Bronchos take on Ouachita Baptist on Dec. 2, Colorado State-Pueblo on Jan. 15, Fort Hays State on Jan. 26, Adams State on Feb. 3 and UNK on Feb. 12 in the dual finale.

UCO beat the Lopers in a dual last year before UNK captured the national championship. Adams finished fifth in the national tourney.

The Bronchos will also host the Super Regional IV Tournament on Feb. 26. The top-three finishers at each weight qualify for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, which are set for March 10-11 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

UCO’s schedule also includes six open tournaments and three road duals along with the NWCA Division II National Duals and the rugged Midwest Classic, which will be held Dec. 17-18 in Indianapolis.

The Bronchos have eight starters and four All-Americans back from last year’s squad. Three-time All-American and defending 197-pound national champion Dalton Abney leads the way along with returning national placers Brik Filippo (149), Alex Kauffman (184) and Shawn Streck (Hvy).

2022-23 UCO Wrestling Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time

Nov. 4 Northern State Edmond, Okla. 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 UCM Open Warrensburg, Mo. 9 a.m.

Nov. 10 Drury Springfield, Mo. 7 p.m.

Nov. 12 Carl Albert Open Poteau, Okla. 9 a.m.

Nov. 19 Lindenwood Open St. Charles, Mo. 9 a.m.

Dec. 2 Ouachita Baptist Edmond, Okla. 5 p.m.

Dec. 4 Jet Open Wichita, Kan. 9 a.m.

Dec. 9 Newman* Wichita, Kan. 7 p.m.

Dec. 11 Bob Smith Open Hays, Kan. 9 a.m.

Dec. 17-18 Midwest Classic Indianapolis, Ind. 9 a.m.

Jan. 6-7 National Duals Louisville, Ky. 9 a.m.

Jan. 15 Colorado State-Pueblo Edmond, Okla. 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 Midwest Duals Kearney, Neb. 9 a.m.

Jan. 26 Fort Hays State* Edmond, Okla. 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 NEO Open Miami, Okla. 9 a.m.

Jan. 29 Central Missouri* Warrensburg, Mo. TBA

Feb. 3 Adams State Edmond, Okla. 6 p.m.

Feb. 12 Nebraska Kearney* Edmond, Okla. 2 p.m.

Feb. 26 NCAA Super Regionals Edmond, Okla. TBA

March 10-11 NCAA Championships Cedar Rapids, Iowa TBA

Bold – Home Dual

* – MIAA Dual

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