James Hackney
#10 Oklahoma State 21 #22 Oklahoma 15
The first Bedlam of the season did not disappoint, as the dual came down to the final match. Both teams won five matches overall, but OK State’s bonus points at 133, 174, and 197 blew the dual score open. The Sooners won almost every toss up match, scoring three upset wins along the way. They came out aggressive early and frequently scored the first takedown. After OU won four of the first five, the Cowboys big guns at 157 and 174 got them momentum late. Not only was this one of the closer Bedlam duals in a while, it was thrilling in every match as McCasland Field House was rocking.
285 lbs: #17 Josh Heindselman Dec. #25 Konner Doucet (TB-1 2-1)
Not sure which team made the decision to start at heavyweight, but it was a good idea with a very slow match that got intense at the end. Both wrestlers scored escapes early in the second and third periods. Most of the action in neutral saw Heindselman faking and putting a ton of pressure on Doucet’s neck in a front headlock. Sudden victory was much of the same, with some close moments for both wrestlers but nothing final. In top bottom Heindselman managed to force a stall from bottom, followed by an escape with just two seconds left. With Heindselman on top he gave up a stall while hanging on a leg, but pulled Doucet into a late crab ride to finish off the rideout win.
For OU fans, Heindselman did what he was supposed to to get the win. A big rivalry match to kick off the dual, it wasn’t pretty but it gave the Sooners momentum and excitement. He can stand to be more aggressive, but Heindselman has found success with that style. For Doucet, he has to find a way to get more aggressive. He’s very athletic and a solid scrambler, but his lack of urgency is hurting him in matches.
