The OU wrestling squad will finish the preseason with the annual Red/White scrimmage at 7 p.m. Thursday at Howard McCasland Field House. The University of Central Oklahoma wrestling team will also behold its Bronze/Blue ranking matches alongside the Sooners.

In an effort to determine the starters for the upcoming season, these ranking matches will feature the top two grapplers in each weight class.

“There are going to be a lot of great bouts, a lot of great action,” Spates said. “We are excited to see where we are and what we need to improve on to start the season.”

An OU team that recorded 16 dual wins last season – the most since 2002 – returns eight starters, and boasts an Intermat preseason No. 18 ranking and a No. 17 ranking from W.I.N.

2009 Big 12 champion Kyle Terry (30-3) returns for his senior year at 149 pounds. Other returning starters include Zack Bailey (141), Seth Vernon (149), Chad Terry (157), Shane Vernon (157), Jeff James (174), Eric Lapotsky (197) and Nathan Fernandez (285).

“This is going to be fan’s delight with a lot of great matches right out of the gate for us,” head coach Jack Spates said. “A lot of returning starters are going to be pushed by a very talented freshmen class.”

OU will start the regular season against UCO Nov. 11 in Norman.