Published: October 21, 2009 09:31 pm      

UCO wrestling ranked sixth in preseason poll

Seven-time champion Central Oklahoma pulled down the No. 6 ranking in the NCAA Division II preseason wrestling poll that was released Wednesday.

The Bronchos of 28th-year head coach David James, who finished sixth in last year's national tournament, earned 121 points in balloting of eight head coaches from around the country. Defending champion Nebraska-Omaha was the unanimous No. 1 pick, followed by Minnesota State, Newberry, Nebraska-Kearney, Adams State and UCO.

Three individuals were ranked for the Bronchos, with senior Dustin Finn No. 1 at heavyweight after finishing as runner-up the past two seasons. Senior Scott Berens is ranked fifth at 133 pounds and senior Colby Robinson is seventh at 149.

UCO, which has won eight NAIA national titles in addition to its seven Division II crowns, previews the 2009-10 team next Wednesday, Oct. 28, with the Bronze-Blue intrasquad match at 7 p.m.