OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University has signed Chad Kochenower of Kingfisher High School (Okla.) to its men's wrestling program.

Kochenower captured regional championships as a junior and sophomore and placed third as a freshman. He has won three Western Conference championships, becoming all-conference each time.

Even though he is deaf, Kochenower wrestled for OCU coach Archie Randall in Randall's kids program when he was 7. Kochenower is expected to wrestle at 125 pounds for the Stars.

"Chad is a very talented and accomplished athlete," said Randall. "He is challenged by his lack of hearing, but I think because he is deaf he has to stay more focused on his sport, which accounts for his success. We are expecting great things out of him."

Kochenower finished as Class 2A state runner-up at 103 pounds as a freshman and 119 pounds as a junior. As a sophomore, he placed third at state at 112 pounds. He was honorable-mention Oklahoman all-city as a sophomore.

Kochenower was also honored as Who's Who Among American High School Students in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

OCU hosts the 52nd annual NAIA wrestling championships at Abe Lemons Arena on March 5-7.