MENHEIM, Pa. (Jan. 22) – Central Oklahoma’s entire lineup is ranked in the top 12 at their respective weight, which was more than enough to keep the Bronchos atop the latest NCAA Division II poll that was released Monday by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
UCO tallied 93 points in the tournament-based points format, 22 ahead of second-place Lander. West Liberty (55 points), Wisconsin-Parkside (54) and St. Cloud State (52) rounded out the top five.
The Bronchos are paced by a pair of No. 1 individuals in 197 Dalton Abney and Hvy Shawn Streck. The defending national champions are both 7-0 in limited action this season.
UCO’s three other returning All-Americans are ranked in the top seven, with Gabe Johnson third at 157, Dylan Lucas fourth at 141 and Anthony DesVigne seventh at 174.
Garrett Wells is fifth at 184, while 165 Hunter Jump is ranked ninth, 149 Dylan Brown 10th and 125 Guy Clevenger and 133 Shaun Muse 11th.
“I like the attention it brings to the program, but our guys know rankings don’t win titles,” head coach Todd Steidley said. “We’re focused on working hard every day and getting better. Those are the things we can control.”
The Bronchos were third in the preseason poll, dropped to No. 4 in the first regular season rankings and then moved to co-No. 1 with West Liberty before taking over sole possession of the top spot in the newest one.
UCO is 9-0 this season and has won 41 of its last 42 duals, including 16 in a row. The Bronchos travel to Colorado this weekend for back-to-back duals against Adams State and Colorado State-Pueblo.
UCO stays No. 1 in D2 poll
