Random Thoughts

Central Oklahoma has its first fall sport enter postseason competition Saturday when the women's cross country team goes to Canyon, Texas for the Lone Star Conference Championships, hosted by West Texas A&M. The Bronchos of long-time coach J.D. Martin have had an up-and-down year while battling a host of injuries, but are looking to push for a top-three finish.

Midwestern State appears to be a heavy pre-meet favorite, with several teams lined up to take advantage should the Mustangs falter. UCO will be one of those teams and has the potential to spring an upset if stalwarts Evelyn Berko and Alina Istrate run like they're capable of.

Berko has been a consistent force throughout her career with the Bronchos and the senior is looking to become a rare four-time All-LSC performer Saturday. Evelyn has finished eighth in the league meet each of the last three years and aims to make significant improvement in her final try.

Istrate has been slowed by injury the last month and didn't compete in UCO's last meet, but the junior looks to be ready now and the Bronchos definitely need a top showing from her if they are to compete for the team title.


UCO's wrestling team drew the No. 6 ranking in the NCAA Division II preseason poll that came out earlier this week, which is exactly where the Bronchos have finished in the national tournament the past two years. And sixth place is not quite up to the standards that 28-year head coach David James demands of his program.

Dustin Finn was the top-ranked heavyweight and the senior standout will definitely be a top favorite to win that title. He's had two straight national runner-up finishes and should benefit from being on the mat all year instead of having to wait until late November and the end of football. Dustin is looking to becoming UCO's first-ever heavyweight national champion.

Here's an interesting fact about the wrestling team . . . there are five sets of brothers on the squad. Ben and Seth Johnson, Colby and Conner Robinson, Dustin and Patrick Finn, Casy and Cody Rowell and Jarrett and Jordan Edison. Those five families make up 24 percent of the roster (10 of 41) this season.

UCO will preview the 2009-10 team on Wednesday, Oct. 28, with the annual Bronze-Blue intrasquad match at Hamilton Field House. And don't forget to circle Nov. 11 on your calander as the Bronchos welcome the OU Sooners to town that night for a dual.


Brandon Noohi had one of the best individual performances in school history during UCO's 41-23 football win over Southwestern Oklahoma last Saturday. The senior quarterback accounted for 416 total yards and five touchdowns in the contest, showing he can beat teams with his legs and his arm as he rushed for 146 yards and passed for 270 more.

The beat-up Bronchos ended a five-game losing streak with that much-needed win, but face a stern test Saturday at No. 17-ranked Midwestern State. The Mustangs are coming off a big 38-7 "upset" of No. 7-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville and are fighting for their playoff lives.

UCO will finish the season with a game at East Central on Oct. 31 and then the home finale against Northeastern State on Nov. 7.