OU Aims for 10th Straight Title

Nov. 5, 2008

Brockport/Oklahoma Gold Classic
Date	Saturday, Nov. 8
Time	All Day
Location	Brockport, N.Y.
Opponents	Kent State, Central Michigan, Edinboro, Rutgers, Army and Hofstra
Match Info	Tentative Seedings \| 2008 Media Guide

NORMAN, Okla. -- The University of Oklahoma wrestling squad will officially kick off the season this weekend in Brockport, N.Y., when it competes in the Brockport/Oklahoma Gold Classic. OU, ranked No. 20 in preseason polls, will compete for its 10th straight team title at the event.

“Our team is really excited to compete and we realize this will be a big challenge for us,” head coach Jack Spates said. “Those in charge of the event were determined to increase competition, and that has certainly been accomplished. Joining us this year is nationally ranked Edinboro (No. 15) and Central Michigan (No. 18), as well as significantly improved Kent State and Hofstra.”

With the exception of 184-pound Josh Hinton, the Sooners are healthy to begin the season. Competition will be fierce among OU teammates to solidify starting spots after upsets in last week's Red/White Classic.

Kyle Terry defeated three-time NCAA qualifier Will Rowe at 149 pounds and Shane Vernon topped 2007-08 starter Chad Terry at 157 pounds at the intrasquad scrimmages to grab the coaches' attention.

“Kyle has a leg up, but competition is only going to help this young team,” Spates said. “This weekend will be another evaluation of who is going to be the guy, who is going to take that starting spot.”

After Brockport, Oklahoma hosts its first home dual of the season next Thursday, Nov. 13, versus Central Oklahoma at 7 p.m. at McCasland Field House.