Evans Induction into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

Aug. 15, 2011

NORMAN, Okla. – Former Oklahoma wrestling star and coach Tommy Evans will be inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Aug.16, inside the Jim Thorpe Association and Hall of Fame Museum in Oklahoma City.

Evans made a name for himself at OU as a decorated wrestler in the early 1950s where he won the NCAA national title in 1952 and 1954 at 147 pounds. He crowned his career by winning a silver medal in the 1952 Olympics and finished fifth in 1956.

Nearly a decade after competing for the Sooners, Evans returned to Norman to serve as OU's head coach from 1960-1961, and 1963-1972. During his stint Evans led the Sooners to NCAA championships in 1960 and 1963, becoming Oklahoma's second coach to win multiple titles. Evans sits atop the career coaching winning percentage (.775) after tallying 140 wins to only 40 losses and two ties.

The three-time All-American concluded his collegiate career with a 42-1 record and became a member of the 1976 Wrestling Hall of Fame class. Evans passed away in 2008 at the age of 77.

In addition to Evans, OU All-American nose guard Lucious Selmon will also be inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame class of 2011. Other inductees include Jim Bolding, Boone Pickens, Crystal Robinson and John Starks.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Evans Induction into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

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