March 2, 2003
Central Oklahoma Wins NCAA Midwest Wrestling Regionals, Truman Touts Two Champions
Complete release, including team scores and placewinners, in .pdf format
Truman hosted the NCAA Division II Midwest Wrestling Regional Championships today. Defending national champion University of Central Oklahoma won the meet after winning the 125-, 133-, 164- and 184-pound weight classes.
Truman's 141-pounder, sophomore Merrick Meyer was the champion at 141 pounds, while senior Corey Crandall won the 157-pound class.
Central Missouri's Eric Pizzi (149 pounds), Seth Shippy (197 pounds) and Plamen Pasklev (heavy weight) won their classes as well.
Zach Stephens rounded out the champions after winning at 174 pounds for Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
The top four finishers in each weight class qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships March 14-15 at West Liberty State College in Wheeling, W.Va. Should one of the top four individuals be unable to compete at the national meet, the fifth-place winner will serve as an alternate.
UCO's Cole Province was named wrestler of the meet at 133 pounds. Rookie of the year honors went to Brad Becker of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. John Sterner from Southwest State University received coach of the year status.