Oklahoma City University is the first university in Oklahoma to create a women's wrestling program and one of only six nationwide. Other women's wrestling programs are at Cumberland (Ky.), Menlo, Missouri Valley, Northern Michigan, Pacific and Trinity (Conn.) Several universities field club teams.
McDaniel said the program opens new doors for Oklahoma students.
"We want to provide opportunities for young men and women in Oklahoma to have sports that they do not have," he said.
OCU Head Wrestling Coach Archie Randall and his staff have sent 350 letters to prospective student athletes. Randall expects to have 30 women on the team by next year. His recruiting could last until July.
"One of our goals is to allow them the opportunity to pursue their Olympic goal," Randall said.
He said he will recruit from across the United States. States with strong recruiting bases include Texas, California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. Randall expects to bring about 30 women into the program.
The women's college wrestling season runs from January through June. Some 5,000 girls wrestle in the nation with 2,500 girls wrestling at 180 schools in Texas.
"I know beyond a shadow of a doubt we'll be at the forefront of women's wrestling," OCU athletic director Jim Abbott said. "I'm absolutely certain we have the right guy to lead this program," he said of Randall.
In 2006, Oklahoma City University added women's volleyball and men's wrestling to its roster.
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