OKLAHOMA CITY – Archie Randall has assembled a talented group of athletes as Oklahoma City University embarks on the unique endeavor of bringing women’s college wrestling to the state for the first time.

Randall and his staff have brought in a mixture of experienced and talented prospects to establish the program as a national contender.

“Like any new program, your expectations are to not only be successful, but to have a good base for the future,” Randall said. “We’re so inexperienced, we want to build a base and be able to reach the status we want to attain. We want to get them as much experience as they can and get them prepared to compete for the Olympics.”

OCU will wrestle Saturday at the Sunkist International Open in Chandler, Ariz. The schedule will be difficult right away as the Stars open its dual season with defending national champion Cumberlands (Ky.) at noon Nov. 10 at Abe Lemons Arena.

Now for a weight-by-weight look at OCU:

 

44 kg (97 lbs.)

 

Lene Wood headlines OCU’s entry in the 44-kilo division. After Wood, the quick Stephanie Waters, hard-working Cindy Pacheco and the experienced Crystal Grajeda will also compete for the Stars.

“Lene Wood has potential to be a national champion,” Randall said. “She is focused, aggressive and technically sound. Stephanie Waters has been learning like a sponge. Cindy Pacheco is experienced and has a lot of muscle. Grajeda is adapting to freestyle and our style of wrestling.”

 

48 (105)

 

Nicole Woody won four national titles at the Junior National Championships. Competing with Woody at this weight will be transfer Christina Varland and freshman Helen Timmons.

“Nicole Woody will be a contender for the national title,” Randall said. “She is extremely talented with a lot of work ethic. Christina Varland will be national contender. She is strong and aggressive. Helen Timmons is maturing.”

 

51 (112)

 

LeAnn Barney has been a contender at the Senior World Championships. Jennifer Peabody finished fifth at last year’s Junior National Championships, while Julie Huang is a graduate student who will compete in open tournaments.

“LeAnn Barney is powerful and physical,” Randall said. “She has all the tools. Jennifer Peabody has sound technique is good on the mat. She is developing her strength. Julie Huang comes to us with a field hockey background.”

 

55 (121)

 

Ashley Hudson was a national finalist at the Junior National Championships. Erica Torres has been improving under Randall’s coaching.

“Ashley Hudson is good on her feet,” Randall said. “She learned from John Smith at OSU’s camps. Erica Torres is good on her feet and developing her talent.”

 

59 (130)

 

Samantha Phillips will benefit from her experience as a Judo national champion, while Emma Mercer won more matches than any other girls wrestler in Kansas history.

“Samantha Phillips is physically strong and has an outstanding work ethic,” Randall said. “Emma Mercer is intelligent and has a lot of speed. She is physically strong.”

 

63 (138)

 

Marina Piccolotti, who was a national finalist at the Junior National Championships, has a knack for getting the pin. Sheila McCabe is an experienced transfer.

“Piccolotti is dangerous because of her pinning ability,” Randall said. “She is a thrower. She is talented and physically strong. McCabe is talented and intelligent.”

 

67 (147)

 

Ashley Sword transferred to OCU after spending time at the Olympic Training Center and intends to compete for an Olympic spot. Briana Conway is known for her strength.

“Sword has a lot of experience and sound technique,” Randall said. “She is developing into a real leader of ours. Briana Conway likes to tell me she’s a keeper. She’s powerful, strong and much improved since she’s been in our program.”

 

72 (158)

 

Lacey Novinska and Melissa Simmons provide experience at this weight as well as a contrast in styles. “Novinska is focused and intelligent,” Randall said. "She calculates her moves. Simmons is aggressive.”

 

82 (181)

 

Carrie Clark, who finished third at the Junior National Championships, is fluid in her movement. Randall said: “She is a fast and quick athlete.”

 

95 (209)

 

Karon Scott will hold down this position, and she is still developing her style. “She is inexperienced, but a hard worker,” Randall said. “She has put in extra time.”

OCU hopes to be competitive when it hosts the national championships

on March 15.

“We have a balance of experienced and young ones,” Randall said. “We want to try to have 12 all-Americans. We want to be in the finals of the National Dual Tournament. We want to be better at the end of the season.”