OU Looks to Extend Win Streak

Match Notes | Promotions | Live Webcast

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma is scheduled to dual against its second straight Top 20 opponent when it hosts No. 19 Tennessee-Chattanooga this Friday, Jan. 18, at the Howard McCasland Field House in Norman at 7 p.m.

No. 17 Oklahoma is coming off a double-dual last Saturday in Norman, claiming victories over Michigan State (29-7) and Pittsburgh (17-15). OU moved to 10-1 on the year, marking the 13th straight season of 10 victories or more under head coach Jack Spates.

"The schedule only gets tougher," Spates said. "This will be an extremely challenging match, with both teams having numerous wrestlers ranked in the national polls."

Oklahoma has six wrestlers ranked in this week's poll. Brian Shelton is No. 13 at 133 pounds, Zack Bailey is No. 11 at 141 pounds and 149-pound Will Rowe is No. 9. Max Dean is No. 20 at 165 pounds, Joshua Weitzel is No. 7 at 184 pounds and Joel Flaggert ranks a season-best No. 3 nationally at 197 pounds.

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga also has six ranked among the nation's best. Javier Maldonado is No. 9 at 125 pounds, Steve Hromada is No. 19 at 133 pounds and Joey Knox ranks No. 20 at 149 pounds. Seth Garvin is No. 20 at 157 pounds and Lloyd Rogers and Matt Koz both rank No. 14 at 174 and 197 pounds, respectively.

Steve Williams, most famously known as "Dr. Death," will also be honored at the match Friday. The former Sooner was a two-sport star, competing in both football and wrestling. Under wrestling coach Stan Abel, Dr. Death became one of only 10 four-time All-Americans in the program's history.

"I am pleased with the intensity and the passion our team has been competing with," Spates said. "We look forward to a great matchup against a tough squad on Friday, and we encourage the fans to come out and support the Sooners."

Following is a list of promotional events surrounding the Oklahoma/UT-Chattanooga dual:

• Free admission to the public, with doors opening at 6 p.m.
• First 500 fans will receive a 2007-08 Sooner wrestling team photo.
• Former OU All-American and professional wrestling sensation Steve Williams, most famously known as "Dr. Death," will be honored during the match, with WWE personality Jim "J.R." Ross serving as emcee.
• Raffle allowing one lucky fan to take home a 26-inch flat screen television
• Autograph session with current wrestlers and Dr. Death at the conclusion of the match.

After the Friday matchup, the Sooners travel up I-35 to the Ford Center in Oklahoma City on Sunday, Jan. 20, for a dual versus No. 13 Wisconsin at 6 p.m.

Oklahoma State and Nebraska will also dual alongside the Sooners, with ESPNU set to televise the matches to a nation-wide audience.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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