Freshman Fio Honored by Big 12

Feb. 11, 2008

IRVING, Texas - Fresh off of an impressive weekend where he recorded two Big 12 victories, including a defeat of the defending national champion and No. 4 ranked Paul Donahoe, OU freshman Joey Fio was named the Big 12 Wrestler of the Week Monday.

The conference honor is the first for the Sandpoint, Idaho, native, and the first by a Sooner this season. The 125-pounder is also the lone freshman in the conference to garner the award this year.

"True freshmen that start usually go through a challenging transition, and Joey is no different," head coach Jack Spates said. "His hard work and persistence were rewarded last weekend with two huge victories. This award is well-deserved and we are very proud of him."

Fio posted an 11-2 major decision over John Olanowski of No. 12 ranked Missouri last Friday, which gave him his 10th dual win this season. He followed up with a stunning upset victory in Lincoln on Sunday by defeating Donahoe of the No. 2 ranked Huskers. After being down 4-3 to begin the third period, Fio scored a takedown and an escape to win by decision, 6-5.

The win over the Husker was Fio's second this season against a Top 10 opponent. He defeated then-No. 9 ranked Javier Madonado of UT-Chattanooga on Jan. 18. After the successful weekend, the freshman now ranks second on the team with 48 takedowns in dual competition.

The wins propel him to a 17-7 overall record and an 11-4 dual record, including a fourth place finish at the Brockport/Oklahoma Gold Classic and runner-up finish at the Oklahoma Open.

The Sooners resume competition this Friday, Feb. 15, at the Lloyd Noble Center when they host Cal Poly at 7 p.m. The squad will share the floor with the OU women's gymnastics team in the first "Beauty and the Best" event.

The first 500 fans arriving Friday will receive an event T-shirt, and raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.

Both teams will also take part in an autograph session at the conclusion of the event. Tickets are $5 for children and $7 for adults. Admission is free for OU students with a valid student I.D.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors