Title Defense

EDMOND (Oct. 22) -- Central Oklahoma head coach David James has plenty of experience in preparing a team for a title defense and that knowledge will come in handy for the Bronchos in 2007-08.

James led UCO to its 15th national championship last year -- including the 12th in his 25-year tenure -- and the Bronchos will once again be one of the main contenders for the NCAA Division II crown this season despite the departure of five starters, including four All-Americans.

UCO has had national championship runs of two, four and four straight under James’ guidance and the veteran skipper is well aware of the challenges his team will face this season.

"One of the main things we have to keep in perspective is that 2007 is over with," said James, whose team will be in action at 7 p.m. Wednesday for the annual Bronze-Blue intrasquad match at Hamilton Field House. "Last year’s team won the national championship and this year’s team hasn’t done anything yet.

"We’ve obviously got a bullseye on our back as the defending champion, but that goes with the territory and it’s an added challenge for this group. You’ve got to deal with that pressure, but it’s not the first time for our program to experience it."

UCO has five starters back from last year’s 15-4 team that won its 17th Midwest Regional title in 18 years en route to the national title, including four All-Americans and one national qualifier.

That group gives the Bronchos a solid core to build around, but there’s plenty of questions to be answered in filling out the lineup.

"We’ve got a young squad overall," said James, who has 28 freshmen, redshirt freshmen and sophomores on his 38-man roster. "We’ve got five starters back and those guys are going to need to repeat their performance of last year or better it.

"The big question is the five guys who are gonna be new starters. We’re certainly capable at those weights, but we’re going to be awfully young and inexperienced at some of them."

Leading UCO’s quest for a repeat championship are team captains and senior All-Americans Kyle Evans (141), Jason Leavitt (157) and Heath Jolley (184). Evans was a perfect 39-0 in taking the gold medal last year, while Leavitt was runner-up and Jolley fifth.

Also back from last year are national runner-up Tyler Zukerman (125) and national qualifier Daniel Morrison, who is dropping down from 174 to 165 this season.

Those returners plus the presence of several talented redshirt freshmen, newcomers and lettermen anxious to step into the starting lineup has UCO ready for another banner season.

"We want to be a team in the end that has a legitimate, realistic chance of winning the national championship," James said. "This team has a chance to do that, but it’s going to take a lot of work and we’re ready to see what will happen."

Here’s a weight-by-weight look at UCO for 2007-08:

141 Pounds

UCO showcases one of the best in the country at any level here in senior star Kyle Evans, a three-time All-American and the defending national champion who is coming off an unbeaten season.

A three-time Midwest Regional champion, Evans was 39-0 last year and has won 61 of his last 63 matches. He’s as focused as ever and is poised to end his career with another dominating season.

UCO is inexperienced behind Evans, with redshirt freshman Dale McClure and rookies Jordan Edison and Zack McCloud providing depth.

Coach James Says: "What Kyle did last year speaks for itself. What I’ve seen since then is he hasn’t rested on that and he worked hard in the summer and the offseason. The big key with Kyle is Kyle himself, keeping a good mindset and continuing to work hard."

197 Pounds

Easily the thinnest weight on the team, with redshirt freshman Jarrett Edison the only name listed here.

The athletic Edison showed great promise and made tremendous progress during his redshirt year, showcased by a runner-up finish to starter Heath Jolley at the Fort Hays State Open. Still, he’s untested as a starter and must stay healthy.

Coach James Says: "Heath’s move to 184 has opened the door for Jarrett. He did a good job in open tournaments last year, but the concern is he’s young. Instead of getting experience we need him to be productive in a starting role. He’s talented, knows how to wrestle for a big guy and has put in the work."