EDMOND (Nov. 19) – Perennial NCAA Division II wrestling power Central Oklahoma made a big recruiting coup Wednesday on the last day of the early signing period with the addition of Duncan High School star Casy Rowell.
One of the most heavily recruited prep standouts in the state, Rowell enters his senior season with a 111-8 career record and two Class 4A state championships to his credit. He’s expected to wrestle at 133 or 141 pounds for the Bronchos.
“Casey is a special recruit and a lot of Division I schools were after him,” said veteran UCO coach David James, who has led the Bronchos to 12 of their 15 national championships. “He has the opportunity to step right in next year and be a starter for us. In my tenure, he’s certainly one of the best recruits we’ve ever signed and I’m awfully excited to have him join our program.”
Rowell was a regional champion and third-place state placer at 103 pounds as a freshman for the Demons and followed that with regional and state titles each of the past two seasons, winning at 112 pounds as a sophomore and 119 last year as a junior.
Also a state champion in the pole vault, Rowell has won DHS’ Ricky Stewart Award for the most falls each of the past three seasons and pinned a school-record 28 opponents last year in finishing a perfect 41-0 while winning seven tournaments. Rowell went 35-7 as a freshman and 35-1 as a sophomore.
Casy’s brother, Cody, is a junior 165/174-pounder for the Bronchos this season.