Jonathan Dickson
EDMOND (Feb. 3) – Emmanuel Skillings came through with a clutch win at 197 pounds and Shawn Streck followed with a quick fall in the final match to propel top-ranked Central Oklahoma to a hard-fought 24-15 triumph over No. 8 Adams State Friday night at Hamilton Field House.
The Grizzlies scored three upset wins, including a stunning first-period fall at 184 to pull even at 15-all, before Skillings and Streck saved the day. It was the 16th straight home win for the Bronchos, who improved to 12-1 with their 31st win in their last 32 duals while dropping ASU to 10-2.
“We pulled it out at the end, but it was a disappointing performance,” head coach Todd Steidley said. “I knew Adams was going to wrestle us tough and they certainly did that, so hats off to them.
“Overall we weren’t very sharp and there were a few weights where we just didn’t do much. Our guys have to be better than they were tonight and they understand that.”
UCO took six of the 10 bouts, getting bonus-point wins from 125 Studd Morris, 157 Gabe Johnson and Streck, while 141 Nate Keim, 174 Anthony DesVigne and Skillings all won decisions.
Morris got the Bronchos off to a fast start, racking up six takedowns – including three in the final period – for a 14-5 major decision. Adams came back with its first upset of the night at 133 as A.J. Van Matre knocked off No. 8 Dylan Lucas 8-4.
