The Oregon wrestling team officially wrapped up the 2000-01 season with its annual awards banquet Sunday in the Pittman Room of the Len Casanova Center.
Senior Doug Lee was named the team’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for the second year in a row after compiling a 28-9 season record and a Pacific-10 Conference title. The Central Point native finished his career with a 103-33 record, fifth on Oregon’s all-time list. Lee was a two-time All-American and three-time Pac-10 Champion as a Duck.
Sophomore Tony Overstake was given the John Miller Memorial Award, given to athletes who show dedication to “being the best I can be in all aspects of life.” Oregon head coach Chuck Kearney recognized Overstake as one of the hardest-working wrestlers on the team. The Medford native fought through a severe knee injury at the Pac-10 Championships to place fourth and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Sophomore Eric Webb earned the Jed Kesey-Lorenzo West Most Improved Award. Webb led the team in winning percentage with 24 wins and only four losses, a major improvement from his 23-15 record in 1999-00. The Eugene native scored several upsets in the heavyweight class and was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation.
The Top Newcomer award went to freshman Luke Larwin, who was unranked heading into the Pac-10 Championships but placed fourth in the league for an NCAA Tournament berth. The Bend native finished the season 10-12 but was 6-4 in his final four competitions.
All the award-winners besides Lee will return for Oregon next season.