Banquet Wraps Up 2008-09 Season

April 18, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. - The University of Oklahoma wrestling squad closed the book on the 2008-09 season Saturday evening, April 18, by hosting its annual postseason banquet at the Postal Service Training Center in Norman.

The Oklahoma coaching staff and wrestlers were joined by friends and family in celebration of the past year with dinner and season highlights. Additionally, several Sooners went home with awards handed out by head coach Jack Spates.

Sharing most outstanding wrestler honors were sophomore Joey Fio and junior Kyle Terry. The 2009 Big 12 champions posted a combined 53-8 tally this season and 13-0 against conference foes. Terry, a Midwest City, Okla., product reeled off 28 straight victories at 149 pounds during the season, spanning from Nov. 8-March 20. Fio, a Sacramento, Calif., native won 16 straight against competition from Dec. 13-March 20 in the 125-pound division.

Sophomore Nathan Fernandez picked up the most improved award after his 21-12 campaign that included defeats over two top-ten opponents. The second year starter at heavyweight was named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week on Dec. 15 after a 3-0 effort at the Big 12/Pac-10 Challenge.

Spates then recognized Justin Forrest and Joe Bach as freshmen of the year. Forrest recorded a 16-5 record this season at 125 pounds in open tournaments and recently claimed first place at the FILA Junior National Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 11. Forrest also won the gold medal at the Lindenwood and Roger Denker Opens. Bach recorded a perfect 12-0 record in open tournaments in 2009 in the heavyweight division, winning the Lindenwood, Oklahoma and Roger Denker Opens.

Photo Gallery

Junior Eric Lapotsky and sophomore Pat Flynn were recognized as the season pin leaders with 11 each. Junior Shane Vernon garnered the scholar-athlete award.

The Jimmy White award, given to a select wrestler on the basis of athletic ability, team contribution, individual achievement and team spirit went to senior Will Rowe. The four-time Oklahoma letterman was a three-time NCAA qualifier during his career at Oklahoma and racked up 86 total victories.

The Sooner coaching staff also recognized the 2009 lettermen, as well presented framed singlets to departing seniors Rowe and David Armstrong.

Sooner Award Winners

Most Outstanding Wrestlers: Joey Fio and Kyle Terry
Most Outstanding Freshmen: Justin Forrest and Joe Bach
Scholar Athlete Award: Shane Vernon
Most Falls Award: Eric Lapotsky and Pat Flynn
Jimmy White Award: Will Rowe
Most Improved Wrestler: Nathan Fernandez