Oklahoma's Lightner Tabbed As Big 12 Wrestler of the Week

Jan. 16, 2001

Oklahoma senior Michael Lightner was selected as Big 12 Wrestler of the Week as announced by the conference office Tuesday.

Lightner, a three-time Big 12 champion from Marlow, Okla., defeated third-ranked Eric Larkin of Arizona State 7-3 in OU's 20-12 win over the Sun Devils on Jan. 12. The two-time NCAA runnerup and second-ranked wrestler nationally at 141 pounds also notched a pair on wins on Jan. 14 - a fall over Aaron Gharst of Cal Poly and a technical fall over Fresno State's Ralph Lopez. Lightner's win over Gharst marked his fifth pin of the year, a career high.

A three-time All-America wrestler, Lightner improved his record to 22-0 this season with 19 wins coming by virtue of a major decision or better. Lightner became the Sooners' second all-time winningest wrestler behind Dan Chaid with a total of 129 victories. Chaid totaled 150 wins from 1983-86.

The sixth-ranked Sooners, 10-1 overall, return to the wrestling mat on Jan. 20-21 when OU travels to the National Duals in University Park, Pa.

2000-01 Big 12 Wrestlers of the Week

Date, Name, School, Year, Weight Division

Dec. 13, 2000 Charles Walker, Oklahoma State, Sr. 133 pounds

Dec. 18, 2000 Bryan Snyder, Nebraska, Jr. 157 pounds

Jan. 8, 2001 Cael Sanderson, Iowa State, Jr. 184 pounds & Daniel Cormier, Oklahoma State, Sr. 184 pounds

Jan. 16, 2001 Michael Lightner, Oklahoma, Sr. 141 pounds