Mike Kirk
EDMOND (Jan. 26) – Points came early and often for offensive-minded Central Oklahoma as the top-ranked Bronchos steamrolled No. 17 Fort Hays State 41-6 Thursday night at Hamilton Field House.
UCO racked up 25 takedowns and 13 near-falls – 10 of those four-pointers – in scoring 105 match points. The Bronchos notched three technical falls, two falls, two major decisions and a forfeit in winning their 15th straight home dual.
“We took care of business tonight,” head coach Todd Steidley said. “I thought our guys were aggressive from the opening whistle and they did a great job getting guys on their back.
“It’s getting toward the end of the season and we just need to keep moving forward. Our guys come to practice every day looking to get better and we need to continue that mindset.”
UCO started and ended the mismatch with falls. Studd Morris got the Bronchos started with a second-period pin at 125 pounds and Shawn Streck’s first-period fall at heavyweight polished off the rout.
Garrett Steidley (133), Brik Filippo (149) and Anthony DesVigne (174) had technical falls, while 157 Gabe Johnson and 184 Alex Kauffman added major decisions and 141 Josh Taylor earned a forfeit.
Morris took control early and had a 9-1 lead when he ended his match at the 4:21 mark, then Steidley had a trio of four-point near-falls in a 16-0 shutout that ended early in the second period.
