Back in Black

Followers of high school wrestling this season may feel “déjc vu all over again” as the Tiger wrestling team of Broken Arrow finds itself in familiar territory in the early part of the season and heading through January. The Tigers won five straight state tournament titles from 1998 to 2002. Former head coach and current Union athletic director Steve Dunlap helped build the dynasty during that span but coaching changes and time took its toll as Midwest City (2007) and Ponca City (2003-2006) took their turn as kings of the mat. After December and January, wrestling fans in Oklahoma and nationwide have found these current grapplers in a more customary location – at the top of the board. In his third year at the helm, head coach Shawn Jones has this program back in the hunt after a 6th place finish in 2006 and a 7th place finish last year. In December, Broken Arrow was joined by Catoosa in Amateur Wrestling News’ Prep 40 national rankings (Catoosa was ranked 31 and B.A. was 33) after a strong showing at the Iron Man Tournament in Ohio. Regarded as one of the toughest high school tournaments in the nation, the Tigers placed 11th out of 56 teams. Read the rest of this story and much more in the upcoming February issue!