Weitzel Garners Big 12 Honor

Feb. 25, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. -- Coming off his second victory in the Bedlam series this season, senior Joshua Weitzel is the Big 12 Wrestler of the Week the conference announced Monday.

Minutes after being honored on senior night, No. 6 Weitzel's pin versus No. 3 Oklahoma State proved to be the deciding factor in the 18-15 upset win last Thursday, Feb. 21, in Norman.

The in-state matchup began at 184 pounds after Oklahoma State chose to draw instead of starting at the traditional 125 pounds. Weitzel took full advantage by pinning Jack Jensen in the first period (2:18). The fall was his sixth overall this season, the most by any OU starter.

"His pin to start the match was huge," head coach Jack Spates said. "You don't see many pins in Bedlam, and to start off that way was a huge inspiration for our team."

With both teams winning five overall bouts and all coming by decisions other than Weitzel's, the six points posted by the Lincoln University, Pa., native gave the Sooners a three point victory.

The win propelled him to his 23rd victory on the season (23-2) and is now 16-2 in dual action, 3-2 versus Big 12 opponents.

"Josh is a leader for this squad on and off the mat," Spates said. "We couldn't be prouder of him."

This is the second weekly honor for an OU wrestler this season. Freshman Joey Fio was awarded Wrestler of the Week on Feb. 11 after posting two Big 12 victories, including a defeat of No. 4 Paul Donahoe of Nebraska.

The Sooners will take their momentum from the Bedlam upset into the postseason, as they will travel to Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday, March 8 for the Big 12 Championships.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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