Takedown Report

Amateur Wrestling Reports

Central Oklahoma — REGIONAL CHAMPS!

Bronchos Claim Sixth Straight Regional Title Behind Four Individual Champs
EDMOND – Gabe Johnson joined elite company in leading Central Oklahoma to its sixth consecutive NCAA Division II Super Regional IV Tournament championship Sunday at Hamilton Field House.   
Johnson became just the fourth four-time regional champion in UCO’s rich history by capturing the 157-pound crown and the No. 2-ranked Bronchos also got title-winning efforts from 125 Eli Kirk, 133 Jason Henschel and 174 Hunter Jump in finishing the one-day, 11-team tourney with 156 points. 
No. 13 Central Missouri came in second with 132 points, followed by No. 10 McKendree (112), Indianapolis (108.5) and Maryville (89.5). 
It took a top three finish to earn a spot in the national tournament, with UCO getting runner-up efforts from 141 Josh Taylor and 165 Bryce Dauphin along with clutch third-place showings from 149 Bam West and 184 Branson Britten to finish with eight qualifiers. Garrett Wells took fourth at 197 and Ryan Nichols sixth at heavyweight. 
“It was a long, tough day and I thought we battled hard,” said head coach Todd Steidley, who was named Super Regional IV Coach of the Year for the fifth time. “I’m proud of our guys. This is probably the toughest regional in the country and we came out with eight qualifiers. 
“Our goal is always to get all 10 guys in so it’s disappointing when we don’t do that, but we’ve got a good group moving on and I’m excited about our chances in the national tournament.” 
The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships are set for March 13-14 in Sioux Falls, S.D. as the Bronchos take aim at their 18th national championship. UCO finished fifth last year after winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and ’24. 
Johnson capped off a 4-0 run to his fourth regional title with a 14-8 finals win over Nicolas Zamora of Maryville. The top-ranked senior star bolted to a 10-1 first period lead behind two takedowns and a near-fall and made it 11-1 in the second with a quick escape before Zamora got two final-minute takedowns. 
Johnson breezed into the finals in dominating fashion, outscoring three … more at … https://bronchosports.com/news/2026/3/1/wrestling-regional-champs.aspx

March 4, 2026 Posted by | Uncategorized | , | Leave a comment