Wrestlers Fare Well in Preseason Opens

Oct. 29, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. -- Several University of Oklahoma wrestlers used last weekend as a warm-up to competition, competing unattached at the Sunkist Kids and Lindenwood Opens.

The Sooners are preparing to kick off the season with the annual Red/White ranking match this Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Howard McCasland Fieldhouse.

Senior Joel Flaggert took third place at 211.5 pounds at the Sunkist Kids Open. Freshman Ryan Smith also looked impressive, winning three hard-fought battles.

Also competing unattached were freshmen Kyle Bergstedt, Seth Vernon and Pat Flynn.

Alumnus and four-time All-American Sam Hazewinkel was a double-medalist, winning the Greco-Roman championship and taking second in the Freestyle competition. Former Sooner Michael Lightner took home a silver medal and former standout Teyon Ware also won three battles at the Open.

At the Lindenwood Open in St. Charles, Mo., two Sooner wrestlers were crowned champions and one a third-place finisher.

Sophomore Eric Lapotsky in the 197-pound division dominated competition with three pins and one technical fall. Lapotsky won the title by a medical default in the finals.

Redshirt freshman Zach Bailey in the 141-pound division had two pins and three major decisions in competition. He won in a 4-3 decision in the finals to accept the gold medal.

Freshman John Starzyk also competed in the 125-pound weight class and was awarded third place after a sudden over time loss in the semi-finals. Starzyk recorded two pins and two decisions in his efforts.

After the Red/White match on Thursday OU will officially start the season Sunday, Nov. 4, in a triple-dual in Oklahoma City against Missouri Valley, Oklahoma City and Neosho Community College.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Wrestlers Fare Well in Preseason Opens

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors