OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University has added five wrestlers to its 2010-11 class, highlighted by former high-school state finalists James Brigance of Talihina, Okla., and Bacone transfer Josh Stewart.

The Stars have also added Jared Steinbach of Tehachapi, Calif., Robert Wilder of Newcastle, Okla., and Sharrone Berry-Davis of Kansas City, Kan.

OCU coach Archie Randall believes this class will add depth to the team and bring competition to each weight class entering next season.
The Stars finished 13th in the NAIA Championships with two all-Americans.

“What I think we have accomplished with this recruiting class is we have brought in students who are academically successful and who will challenge the existing starters on the team,” Randall said. “In order for us to be successful, our starters have to be challenged every day. If they are not challenged, then they become complacent. Every single weight class now, we will have a No. 2 or No. 3 guy that can challenge for the starting spot.”

Brigance should make an immediate impact at 197 pounds for the Stars. Brigance had a record of 43-4 as a senior and finished as the Class 3A state runner-up at 215 pounds. His three-year record in high school was 103-21.

“He is really athletic and strong,” Randall said of Brigance. “He has a chance to be the real deal at 197 pounds next year for us.”

Stewart, from Muskogee, Okla., went 32-5 as a high school senior and finished as the Class 6A state runner-up at 145 pounds. Stewart was also a two-time academic all-conference selection.

“Josh Stewart is going to make a difference for our team,” Randall said. “He is going to put a challenge on our existing starter Willie Shelton-Delk.”

Steinbach, a transfer from Bacone, is expected to challenge at 125 pounds. Steinbach compiled a 140-40 record in high school, where he was a three-time league champion. Steinbach said he chose OCU because of the “opportunity and a chance to be great.”

Wilder, a transfer from Bacone, had a record of 78-42 in his high school career. Wilder went 19-7 and earned all-conference honors as a senior.

Berry-Davis went 31-8 as a senior in the heavyweight class for Sumner Academy. Berry-Davis recorded a 66-23 record in his career and was a three-time state qualifier.

OCU will host the Girls Folkstyle Wrestling National Championships March 26-28 at Abe Lemons Arena.