Mike Kirk
MANHEIM, Pa. (Dec. 23) – There’s a new team atop the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II poll — a Central Oklahoma squad coming off a dominating showing in last weekend’s Midwest Classic.
The Bronchos of head coach Todd Steidley amassed 114 points in the second regular season poll, which is based on points earned by ranked individuals. All 10 UCO wrestlers are listed in the top 10 at their respective weight, led by No. 1 Dalton Abney at 197.
Defending national champion Nebraska-Kearney is second with 83 points, followed by St. Cloud State (75), West Liberty (60) and Lander (51). Rounding out the top 10 is Adams State, Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Millersville, Wisconsin-Parkside and Upper Iowa.
“We had a great weekend and it’s good to see our guys rewarded for that,” Steidley said. “But at the same time, it doesn’t mean much at this point. There’s still a lot of work ahead and we have to stay focused on the task at hand, which is to get a little better every day.”
Abney, the defending national champion who is riding a 39-match winning streak, is UCO’s lone No. 1 individual but the Bronchos have five others in the top four.
