A junior wrestler was named Men’s Wrestler of the Week for the second week in a row.
Chase Vincent, marketing junior, was awarded the Sooner Athletic Conference Men’s Wrestler of the Week honor. SAC for men’s wrestling consists of seven regional schools, including OCU.
Sam Hazewinkel, head wrestling coach of the men’s wrestling team, said Vincent was rewarded after going undefeated at National Duels and after performing well at the Missouri Valley Invitational on Jan. 17 and 18.
“He was ranked No. 4 in the country and beat the No. 2 ranked guy. When the new rankings come out, I imagine he’ll be No. 2,” Hazewinkel said.
Hazewinkel also said it’s very rare to have the same wrestler getting awarded twice in a row.
“The same wrestler getting it twice, that happens. It probably happens every year, but two weeks back to back, it’s not very common,” Hazewinkel said.
Vincent said his coach was a major factor in him receiving the recognition.
“I feel really fortunate. I feel like a lot of that more than anything is my coach. That dude has been such a blessing to me,” Vincent said.
Vincent also said he’d like to keep wrestling for as long as he can.
“I’d like to stay involved somewhere. Whether that be coaching or competing, I’m not sure, but I’d like to stay involved in the wrestling community, absolutely, whether that be hanging around OCU or going to a youth program or whatever. I’d like to be involved in wrestling for at least a couple more years,” Vincent said.
Hazewinkel also said he’s happy about the effects this achievement could have on OCU’s wrestling teams.
“Every coach is like, ‘rankings don’t matter,’ but at the same time, it’s good publicity, it’s a reward. It shows they’re doing things right; hard work’s paying off,” Hazewinkel said.
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