College wrestling: Zach James gets his chance at UCO

BY Matt Patterson

Published: December 4, 2008

EDMOND — Central Oklahoma wrestler Zach James always knew opportunity would knock sometime, but the true freshman never guessed it would be this year.

The 197-pound James has been pressed into action after the Bronchos lost starter Jarrett Edison to a season-ending ACL tear at the Central Missouri Open on Nov. 16.

The loss was a big one. Edison won 29 matches last season and qualified for the NCAA Division II tournament.

"Sometimes you never know when an opportunity is going to come,” UCO coach David James said. "Zach has a golden opportunity and he needs to take advantage of it. He’s young, and I don’t have anything against young wrestlers, but his role is certainly different now.”

James is attempting to make the most of it. He’s 2-2 so far but as a true freshman, the adjustment to the college ranks is no picnic.

"You can’t run over anyone anymore,” James said. "It’s the same way in the room. Every one is tough. There’s a lot more pressure. There’s always someone taking a shot or someone countering. In high school you take a good shot and you’re good to go.”

Zach James had a successful high school career wrestling for his father Ronnie at Del City. At UCO, it’s more of the same. David James is his uncle, though you’d never know it from watching practice.

"It’s pretty much the same,” Zach James said. "My dad was my coach and he got onto me, now it’s another family member. He gets on me as much as anyone which is something I like.”

Michael Pineda/The Duncan Banner Duncan wrestler Casy Rowell signed with the University of Central Oklahoma. Front row, from left are Richard Rowell, Casy Rowell and Jami Rowell. Back, from left are Tom Brack and Burl White. None / The Duncan Banner

 

Published: November 20, 2008 11:44 am            

One of a kind

Rowell signs with uco wrestling team

Michael Pineda
The Duncan Banner

Throughout Casy Rowell’s storied high school wrestling career, accolades have piled up for the two-time state champion. On Thursday, he added one more to the list: biggest recruit in David James’ 27-year tenure at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Rowell capped off two of the toughest weeks of his life by signing a letter of intent to wrestle for the Bronchos. He will join his brother, Cody Rowell, and look to make an immediate impact for the storied program.

“He will fit in well,” James said. “He will have an opportunity to immediately step in and compete. We take a lot of pride in recruiting Oklahoma, that’s our bloodline and we’re honored to sign Casy. His resume speaks for itself. I feel like we signed a blue-chipper. He is one of the best light-weights in the country, and he’s the best recruit that I have signed.”

The lure of wrestling with his brother in addition to competing for a national championship on a yearly basis proved to be too big for Rowell to pass up. The senior chose UCO over Oklahoma. He also considered Old Dominion and Cal-State Fullerton.

“It’s been a couple of the worst two weeks of my life because of the time crunch,” Rowell said. “The process had parts that I enjoyed, all the trips that I took and all the people I met. But it was stressful. It’s a huge relief already. I don’t have to worry about coming home and talking on the phone. I can enjoy my senior season and, hopefully, win another state championship.”

Winning a state championship is something that is becoming second nature to Rowell, who has not lost a match in over two years. The drive that he has displayed in winning those titles has Duncan head coach Tom Brack feeling that his charge will have a strong career at the next level.

“I’ve coached 33 years and, when you put it all together, he is the best that I have ever had,” Brack said. “The skill level is what separates him.

“Just cause you’re a good high school wrestler doesn’t mean you will be a good college wrestler. But I have no doubt he will be a good college wrestler. He loves to wrestle. It wouldn’t surprise me if he wins a national championship.”

As one of the best light-weight wrestlers in the nation, Rowell could have competed for that national championship at the Division I level. In making his decision, the size of the school did not have an impact, as he chose to go with his heart in finding the place he could be happy. In choosing to go with UCO, an NCAA D-II program, Rowell found that place.

“All the coaches tell you that they want you, but Coach James really stressed that he needed me,” Rowell said. “A lot of people try to down D-II, but I have seen D-II wrestlers go out and thump D-I. A national championship is a national championship.

“I’m not trying to impress anyone, I’m just trying to be happy.”

Rowell couldn’t help impressing the UCO program, which was familiar with him through his brother, Cody, who is a starter this season.

“I feel Casy is special,” James said, “he’s a very special young man. He comes from a great family and he is focused and driven. His resume speaks for itself.”

Rowell’s resume also includes an impressive stint as a football player for Duncan as well as a state championship in the pole vault. Next season, Rowell will, of course, give up both sports as he focuses on wrestling, his first love.

“It puts pressure on you, but I’m excited,” Rowell said. “My brother will be up there for his senior year and we will push each other.

“I just want to go out there and enjoy my last years of wrestling.”