Originally from the O’Collegian student paper at Oklahoma State
Hendricks defeats coach’s nephew in matchup against No. 9 Iowa
By Ben Elder Daily O’Collegian
Stillwater, OK (U-WIRE) — Oklahoma State sophomore Johny Hendricks knew he had to get a big win Sunday, but there was something different about his match.
No. 3 ranked Hendricks was set to wrestle No. 4 ranked Iowa freshman Mark Perry.
It was not Perry’s first time to visit Gallagher-Iba Arena – Perry is actually a native of Stillwater.
But even more important – he is also the nephew of OSU coach John Smith.
With emotions set aside and the aide of almost 8,000 screaming fans, Hendricks rode out Perry for the entire third period and claimed the victory, 3-1.
“I wanted to win really bad, “Hendricks said. “I also wanted to make sure that he knew I won the match fair and square.”
Perry’s only point came off an illegal hold that Hendricks performed during the third period.
After the illegal hold, Hendricks rode the freshman for a total of one minute and 33 seconds throughout the third period.
The crowd also played a big role in the match, Hendricks bubbling personality had Gallagher-Iba on their feet throughout the whole match.
“When you have 8,000 screaming fans behind you that helps, “Hendricks said. “It also makes the other wrestler think more and makes me push myself harder.”
Perry thought the homecoming to Stillwater was nice, but was not any different than any other match.
“I didn’t come in here making it bigger than any other match, “Perry said. “But obviously, it wasn’t fun for me.”
Smith had no problem explaining which wrestler he was cheering for during the match.
“I had no interest in visiting with Mark before or after the match, “Smith said. “I have a 165 pounder named Johny Hendricks that is wrestling to win.
“Don’t get me wrong, he is still a nephew, but I am coaching the guy in orange.”
Hendricks’ victory puts him at 15-1 in the season and marks his best start as a Cowboy wrestler.
The victory also marks the second time Hendricks has beat Perry this season – in the last meeting, Hendricks won in overtime.
“This time he couldn’t get to my legs and didn’t take me down once, “Hendricks said. “I kept my cool the whole time during the match.”
After his second loss to the OSU wrestler this season, Perry agreed this victory belonged to the wrestler in orange.
“I didn’t deserve to win, “Perry said. “The bottom line is that he out-wrestled me.”
(C) 2004 Daily O’Collegian via U-WIRE
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