Sooners Celebrate Season at Banquet

NORMAN — The Oklahoma wrestling team celebrated its 2014-15 season Sunday afternoon with its annual postseason banquet, held inside the Stadium Suites in Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

The Oklahoma coaching staff and wrestlers were joined by friends and family in celebration of the past year's accomplishments with lunch and season highlights. Several Sooners went home with awards handed out by head coach Mark Cody and assistant coaches Michael Lightner, Andrew Howe and Kendric Maple.

During the event, Cody Brewer was recognized as Most Outstanding Wrestler following a redshirt junior season in which he posted a 22-1 record and secured his first NCAA title at 133 pounds. The Kansas City, Mo., native entered the national tournament as a No. 13 seed, opening with a win via fall before defeating the No. 4, No. 12 and No. 1 seeds by major decision and the No. 3 seed in the championship bout.

Brewer, a three-time All-American, and redshirt freshman Shayne Tucker were also honored for winning Big 12 titles at 133 pounds and 149 pounds, respectively.

The Most Pins honor went to Ross Larson, who finished the season with a 23-7 record, with 18 of those wins coming via fall. His fall total is tied for third most in OU single season history with Herb Calvert (1976). Larson was also selected for his second NCAA Championships at heavyweight.

The recipient of the Jimmy White Award, given to a wrestler on the basis of athletic ability, team contribution, individual achievement and team spirit, was senior Justin DeAngelis. DeAngelis compiled a 21-8 overall mark and a 13-3 dual record this past season. He qualified for his second straight NCAA Championships at 157 pounds.

Clark Glass received the Sooner Student-Athlete Award for his success both in the classroom and on the mat. The redshirt sophomore posted an 18-13 record and made his first trip to NCAAs at 165 pounds.

The Most Improved honor went to redshirt sophomore Matt Reed, who compiled a 25-11 record, including 11-5 in duals, and went to NCAAs at 174 pounds. Reed redshirted last season after being in the lineup as a freshman.

Additionally, redshirt junior Mike Brown, who traveled with the team throughout the season, received the Warrior Award for his efforts on the mat and readniness to step in when needed.

The 11th Man Award went to senior Zach Merrill, who was recognized for his efforts as the backup at heavyweight. On the season, Merrill went 15-1, including 2-0 in dual competition, with his only loss coming to teammate Larson.

The Redshirt of the Year honor went to freshman Noah Teaney.

Oklahoma's two seniors, DeAngelis and Merrill, were celebrated for their contributions and commitment to the OU wrestling program throughout their careers in the Crimson and Cream. OU's letterwinners were also recognized during the event.

The Sooners recorded a 6-10 record in 2014-15 against some of the nation's top teams and concluded the season with an 18th-place finish in the NCAA Championships in St. Louis, Mo., in Cody's fourth year at the helm of the program.

2015 OKLAHOMA WRESTLING BANQUET AWARD WINNERS
Most Improved: Matt Reed
Most Pins: Ross Larson
Redshirt of the Year Award: Noah Teaney
Jimmy White Award: Justin DeAngelis
Warrior Award: Mike Brown
11th Man Award: Zach Merrill
Sooner Student-Athlete Award: Clark Glass

LETTERWINNERS
First Award Jacket: Trae Blackwell, Mike Brown, Brooks Climmons, Andrew Dixon, Josh McDermett, Ryan Millhof, Shayne Tucker, Jon Wayne Townsend
Second Award Watch: Dryden Dennis, Matt Reed, Brad Johnson, Clark Glass, Sean Williams, Ross Larson, Alec Iacovelli, Garrison McCauley
Third Award Blanket: Cody Brewer and Dalton Dennis
Senior Plaque: Justin DeAngelis and Zach Merrill

Players Mentioned

Trae Blackwell

Cody Brewer

Justin DeAngelis

Andrew Dixon

Clark Glass

Andrew Howe

Brad Johnson

Ross Larson

Kendric Maple

Garrison McCauley

Zach Merrill

Ryan Millhof

Matt Reed

Noah Teaney

Jon Wayne Townsend

Shayne Tucker

Sean Williams

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics