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November 20, 2008

Rowell signs with uco wrestling team

Michael Pineda The Duncan Banner Thu Nov 20, 2008, 10:44 AM CST

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.”

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