OKLAHOMA CITY – Nik Turner took fifth place at 157 pounds, and Corey Johnson finished seventh at 285 for Oklahoma City University on Saturday at Abe Lemons Arena in the 53rd annual wrestling championships.

Johnson and Turner both pinned their opponent. Turner, a junior from Norman, Okla., closed out his season with a fall in 1:23 over Dustin Center of Cumberlands (Ky.). Johnson, a senior from Oologah, Okla., ended his career with a pin over Bacone's Jeremy Colbert in 4:15.

OCU tied for 13th place in the team standings with 41 points.

Johnson and Turner joined Brandon Benson, Mitchell Eichenauer and John Wilcox in 2007 and '08 as Stars two-time all-Americans.

Missouri Valley's Joe Cornejo knocked Turner into the fifth-place match with an 11-4 win. Turner managed only a pair of takedowns against the No. 1-ranked 157-pounder in the NAIA.

Turner won by fall for the third time in the tournament and for only the sixth time in his three-year OCU career.

“It's been a good year,” Turner said. “It felt good to go out with a fall, helping the team get bonus points. Hopefully I can build on that for next year.

“That semifinal match didn't feel good at all. I'll remember that all year and into next until I can go and get that title.”

OCU has not had a three-time all-American yet.

“He'll have another shot next year,” OCU coach Archie Randall said of Turner. “All-Americans have that inner desire to be successful.”

Johnson completed his Stars career with 94 victories and 33 falls.

“I'm sad it's over, but it's a good note to go out on,” Johnson said. “I really wish I could have done better in the tournament. I gave it my best. Sometimes things don't go your way.”

Johnson became Randall's first signee once OCU restarted its program in 2006. He became married to a member of the Stars women's wrestling team, Emma Johnson (nee' Mercer). He graduates with his elementary education degree in December.

“I came for the excellent coaching staff, and I heard the education school was good, and it was,” Johnson said. “We have a lot better class of kid. Every single one of us who lost in the tournament were disappointed. We've beaten each other up every day, but we're brothers.”

Randall said, “He will be successful in all that he does. He has a big heart. Corey has had a very successful career here.”
Results
Team Standings

NAIA Championships

At Oklahoma City

Abe Lemons Arena