Tulsa World: Bedlam matchups new

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Bedlam matchups new

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
Published: 12/7/2008 2:29 AM
Last Modified: 12/7/2008 2:53 AM

Bedlam wrestling takes on a new look this year.

The first of two matches this season between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma on Sunday in Norman rolls out a new storyline that has not been said in 13 years. The Sooners ended a 27-match streak without a win in the Bedlam series with last February's 18-15 triumph over the Cowboys.

"I can tell you for a fact that the thrill of victory is a much better experience than the agony of defeat," OU coach Jack Spates said.

With the streak no longer a topic of conversation, Sunday's dual at McCasland Field House offers the element of the unknown as a storyline. Outside of the heavyweight bout between OSU's top-ranked Jared Rosholt and OU's Nathan Fernandez, all the individual matches are first-time meetings in the series.

OSU coach John Smith and Spates each said there are similarities in both teams due to the mixture of young performers and veterans still seeking major accomplishments on the respective rosters.

It adds intrigue to the 159th meeting between the Cowboys (5-1 in duals) and Sooners (3-0).

"That throws a curveball into things," Smith said. "You don't know what to expect. I don't think you have ever seen that in a Bedlam match. It brings that element of surprise because you're not sure what the opponent does."

The fact that it is Bedlam, though, will override any lack of familiarity with the individual opponent. First-time participants understand the magnitude of the match.

"It was crazy when I watched the match last year," said Sooner redshirt freshman 165-pounder Ryan Smith. "It was pretty intense. I am really excited to get in there."

Veteran participants know the intensity is increased because they are wrestling an opponent from the rival school.

"It's huge. In my first one as a freshman, it came down to my match," said Rosholt, who is 4-0 in his Bedlam bouts. "That's when I knew how big and exciting Bedlam is to everyone."

As for the revenge angle, that's to be expected. After all, it is Bedlam.

"The only way to take care of revenge is to show you are better," Smith said. "If you are an underdog going into the meet, that's a different story. I don't believe we're an underdog."

Said OU sophomore 125-pounder Joey Fio: "Beating them last year was a good feeling. I think we are very prepared and have a better team this year. We are so in the hunt. We expect Oklahoma State to want blood on Sunday."

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma

When: 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: McCasland Field House, Norman

TV: Cox cable 3

Lineups (OSU listed first)

125: No. 8 Obe Blanc (9-2) vs. Joey Fio (5-2)

133: No. 20 Tyler Shinn (6- 2) vs. No. 17 David Armstrong (7-3)

141: Jamal Parks (9-2) vs. No. 9 Zack Bailey (9-1)

149: Luke Silver (7-2) vs. No. 13 Kyle Terry (11-1)

157: No. 13 Newly McSpadden (8-1) vs. No. 18 Shane Vernon (8-2)

165: No. 8 Brandon Mason (10-1) vs. Ryan Smith (9-2)

174: Kyle Griffin (7-2) vs. Jeff James (8-1)

184: Jared Shelton (10-1) vs. Pat Flynn (11-1)

197: No. 9 Clayton Foster (11-0) vs. No. 7 Eric Lapotsky (12-0)

285: No. 1 Jared Rosholt (11-0) vs. Nathan Fernandez (8-3)

Rankings according to Amateur Wrestling News

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer

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