Mike Kirk
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 5) — Top-ranked Central Oklahoma resumes the 2021-22 campaign after a lengthy break Thursday when the Bronchos take on No. 9 Findlay in the first round of the NWCA Division II National Duals.
UCO, 3-0 in duals, and the Roughnecks (1-0) tangle at 8 a.m. (Central time) at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The Bronchos — who haven’t competed since capturing the prestigious Midwest Classic title on Dec. 18-19 — will meet the Mercyhurst-Colorado Mesa winner or loser in their second match.
The double-elimination tournament continues throughout the day Thursday, then resumes Friday morning and wraps up with afternoon placement matches. Fifteen teams will compete, including six ranked in the top 25 – UCO, No. 2 St. Cloud State, No. 3 McKendree, No. 5 Nebraska-Kearney, No. 8 Indianapolis and No. 9 Findlay.
Twenty-four teams were originally scheduled to attend, but nine schools withdrew in the past few days due to health and safety reasons.
“A lot of teams have backed out, but it’s still going to be a super-tough event with most of the top teams,” said head coach Todd Steidley, who is 63-11 in his sixth year at the helm. “It’s going to be a great challenge for our guys and we’re looking forward to it.