Maple Earns Second Big 12 Honor

Jan. 2, 2012

NORMAN, Okla. - Kendric Maple of the ninth-ranked University of Oklahoma wrestling team has been chosen as the Big 12 Conference Wrestler of the Week, announced Monday by the league office.

It marks the second career conference honor for the redshirt-sophomore from Wichita, Kan., both of which have come this season. Maple was honored earlier this season after his efforts in November earned him the Big 12 Wrestler of the Month award.

The 141 pound standout is currently ranked No. 7 and recently claimed the 141 pound title at the Midlands Championships, which took place in Evanston, Ill., on Dec. 29-30. Over the course of the tournament, Maple posted a 6-0 record and defeated the top ranked wrestler in Iowa's Montell Marion.

"Kendric is much deserving of this honor and we are very proud of him," Mark Cody said. "Kendric is not only an outstanding wrestler and athlete, but he is a model student-athlete in the way he conducts himself on and off the mat. The future is very bright for Kendric Maple."

Heading into that tournament Maple posted seven victories by way of major decision or technical fall. Maple extended his consecutive streak to seven after earning four majors and one technical fall to open the tournament. The redshirt sophomore ended his bonus point streak after he defeated Iowa's No. 1-ranked Marion in the championship bout, 5-3.

Big 12 Wrestler of the Month Release | OU Season Statistics | Kendric Maple Bio

On the year, Maple holds a 13-0 record and is the only Sooner to remain unbeaten this season. Maple leads OU in nearly every statistical category including major decision (7) and technical fall (3) wins. Additionally, his 23 takedowns in dual action is tops among all Sooners and he ranks second on the team with four nearfalls. In bouts this year, Maple has earned bonus points in all but two of his matches, with both of those matches coming against wrestlers ranked in the top 10.

Maple and the Sooners will be in action tomorrow, Jan. 3, when they travel to Laramie, Wyo., to take on the 20th-ranked Wyoming Cowboy's at 7 p.m.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors