Past OU Standouts at Olympic Trials

June 11, 2008

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Four former University of Oklahoma wrestlers arrived in Las Vegas this week with one goal in mind - qualify to represent the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.

Michael Lightner (`01), Jared Frayer (`02), Teyon Ware (`06) and Sam Hazewinkel (`07) are hoping to add their names to OU's long list of wrestling Olympians.

"Each had a great collegiate career and has already accomplished big things," Oklahoma wrestling head coach Jack Spates said. "Now, we are hopeful they will accomplish another dream of representing the U.S. in the Olympics."

The trials are scheduled to begin June 13-15 at the Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada--Las Vegas. The weekend will feature contests in 18 weight divisions in the three Olympic styles (men's free-style, men's Greco-Roman and women's free-style). USA wrestling expects over 200 athletes to battle for spots on the U.S. team.

Lightner, Hazewinkel and Ware were honored as four-time All-Americans while at Oklahoma, an accomplishment only seven others can claim in the history of OU wrestling. Lightner won a national championship in 2001 at 141 pounds after going 37-0 and Ware was a two-time champion at 141 pounds, winning national titles in 2003 and 2005. Frayer was a two-time All-American in 2001 and 2002 at 149 pounds.

The four can also be found in multiple OU wrestling records. Lightner (144), Hazewinkel (132) and Frayer (129) are No. 2, 3 and 4, respectively in most career wins at OU. Frayer is No. 2 in career pins with 47 and Hazewinkel is No. 9 with 33.

"These four alumni have already proven to be winners and I am very proud of each to making it to the trials this week," Spates said.

Sooners at the U.S. Olympic Trials

Jared Frayer | Freestyle | 66 kg
Two-time All-American ... 2002 Big 12 Champion ... Fourth at OU in career wins (129) ... Second all-time in career pins with 47.

Sam Hazewinkel | Greco-Roman | 55 kg
Four-time All-American ... Three-time Big 12 Champion ... Ninth at OU in career pins with 33 ... Third all-time for most wins (132).

Michael Lightner | Freestyle | 60 kg
Four-time All-American... 2001 National Champion, going a perfect 37-0... Four-time Big 12 Champion ... Second all-time at OU in career wins (144).

Teyon Ware | Freestyle | 60 kg
Four-time All-American... Two-time National Champion in 2003 and 2005 ... 2003 Big 12 Champion.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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