Central wrestling making big moves on the mat before nationals

The Central Oklahoma wrestling team finished as the 2022–2023 MIAA Champions, and the team then went on to dominate regionals and take first. The Bronchos have 10 individuals who have been qualified for the nationals March 10-11 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This is the first time since 2007 that the entire team has qualified for nationals.

The Bronchos are taking 10 individuals to the national tournament. Junior Dalton Abney as well as Junior Shawn Streck were named as the No. 1 seeds for their weight classes. Dalton Abney was hurt, injuring his leg in the final of the national duals, and Coach Todd Steidley was not sure if he was going to see the mat. Abney did not wrestle again until the regional tournament, where he placed first, and that road to recovery was inspiring to his teammates.

“The work he put in was definitely motivational,” Steidley said. “Our guys saw all the work he put in and how hard he was training to try and come back. I think it motivated them to train hard.”

Nine of Central’s individuals were placed within the Top 8, and only one Broncho was unseeded. The team is close and feeds off each other’s energy as well as the crowd.

“We’re just trying to be positive,” Steidley said. “They’re very positive. It’s a really close group. I think the experience is the most important for this team.”

Preparation for nationals can be quite stressful, but this only changes a few things for the team. Steidley changes up practices to get the team ready, but to also help them focus on the little things and get back to fundamentals.

“Practices are a lot shorter, but very intense,” Steidley said. “Not as much running or lifting, just because we want them really fresh.”