Dalton Abney named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week

NCAA Div. II champion Dalton Abney of UCO celebration photo by Sam Janicki.

Dalton Abney (Tulsa, Okla./Univ. of Central Oklahoma) has been selected as USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week on March 16.


Abney won the 197-pound title at the 2023 NCAA Div. II National Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 10-11, and helped lead the University of Central Oklahoma to its first NCAA Div. II team title since 2007.


Abney became a two-time NCAA Div. II national champion with his victory. Seeded No. 1, Abney opened with two convincing wins, a pin over Jacob Noon of Tiffin, and a major decision over No. 8 seed Luke McGonigal of Mercyhurst. He needed two close wins to secure the title. In the semifinals, Abney scored a 4-2 sudden victory win over No. 4 seed Dominic Murphy of St. Cloud State. In the finals, Abney edged No. 2 seed Derek Blubaugh of Indianapolis, 1-0.


Abney was an NWCA All-American in the COVID shortened 2020 season in addition to his two national titles. He was a three-time Oklahoma state finalist for Cascia Hall Prep, with one title and two runner-up finishes.


Each week USA Wrestling will select an Athlete of the Week based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling from youth programs through the senior level.


To nominate a wrestler for this honor please send the athlete's name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments and career accolades to USA Wrestling Director of Communications Gary Abbott at gabbott@usawrestling.org