By Jackie Reese Oklahoma Daily
Norman, OK (U-WIRE) — Standing 5 feet 5 inches at 141 pounds is not necessarily what some would think as an intimidating presence. When it comes to OU wrestling team’s mighty mouse, Teyon Ware gets the job done.
Ware started his wrestling career going 32-4. He claimed the title of both Big 12 Champion and NCAA National Champion in the 141 pound division.
Ware was also named outstanding wrestler of the 2003 Big 12 Championships when he defeated No. 2 Zack Exposito of OSU 5-2 for the third straight time.
However, his sophomore year would not be quite like the year before.
Teyon suffered an injury in August while he was lifting weights. He ruptured a disk in his neck that kept him out of wrestling for four months. He rejoined his team on the mats in December.
“I had never really been injured before. I thought I was invincible, “Ware said. ” I didn’t know how serious the injury was until the doctors told me there was a chance that I could never wrestle again.”
Sometimes when an athlete gets injured, it can mean the end of his athletic career either physically, mentally or both. Teyon did not let his injury get the best of him.
“I’m not the type of person to get down, “Ware said. “I think things happen for a reason. It was a humbling experience for me, but it made me get focused.”
Ware’s time on the mat was short lived though. A little more than three weeks passed and he injured his left ankle. The injury kept him out three to four weeks, including Bedlam.
Ware could have easily called it quits for the year after two injuries, but he didn’t. Teyon returned to compete for the Sooners.
Even though both injuries linger, Ware placed third at the Big 12 Championships and sixth at the NCAA National Championships in 2004 finishing his sophomore year 21-5.
“It was really tough to watch last year when he didn’t win Big 12 or Nationals, “said Sam Hazewinkel, teammate and roommate. “He wanted to be the first four-time National Champion that did not take a red shirt. He had a chance to do something that had never been done.”
This season Ware has been injury free. His record is 23-0 with his next match against No. 1 Nate Gallick of Iowa State, who happens to be the guy that handed Ware his first lost last year after being named 2003 National Champion.
“As of right now I am not feeling any physical pain, “Ware said. “I have faith in my doctor and I can’t re-injure the same disk.”
His history with Gallick gives Ware a little extra motivation entering the match.
“I think everybody looks to Teyon. His hard work and physical and mental toughness, “said head coach Jack Spates. “His opponents hope that maybe he’ll crack, he won’t, he’s as tough as can be.”
Ware has proven himself, but he said there is still unfinished business.
“I’m excited about this year, “ware said. “I’m ready to go and get back what’s mine.”
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