Freshman Charlie Gibbs (top) of Moberly was among six Vikings to win individual titles during the NAIA Central Region Tournament. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In a dual match to open the men's wrestling season, fifth-ranked Oklahoma City defeated No. 10 Missouri Valley College fairly handily.

However, when the Vikings returned to the Sooner State capitol Saturday, they had the option of leaving open their vulnerable weight classes and doubling up in strong ones.

That allowed Valley to take first place in six of the 10 divisions and leave the Stars behind, 210 to 181.5 points, to take the championship of the NAIA Central Region Tournament -- and land regional "coach of the year" honors to veteran MVC mat boss Mike Machholz.

The Vikings had either the winner or a finalist in all eight of the classes they entered. Juniors Billy Exline (125 pounds) and Jon Gerhold (133) and sophomores Eric Graham (141) and Brian Graham (149) all swept through their opponents -- Exline in dominating fashion with a technical fall, pin and major decision -- in the four lightest groups.

Senior Daniel Price (184) and red-shirt freshman Charlie Gibbs (197) of Moberly each went 3-0 to capture titles, Gibbs having to defeat junior teammate Jeff Cobb in the finals -- by a narrow 6-5 score. Price pinned his first two foes and then upended higher-ranked Mitchell Eichenauer of OCU, 9-4, in the trophy match.

Also reaching the championship rounds were freshman Brian McClure (165) and Michael Johnson (285), who was edged by No. 4 Jordan Wall of William Penn (Iowa) in the finals, 4-2.

By splitting their four bouts, juniors Garrett Harding (133) and Brandon Nice (141) both wound up in fourth place.

Valley has qualified the maximum of 12 entries for the NAIA Championships, which will be held March 6-8 at Sioux City, Iowa.