Oregon Wrestling Honors Their Own
EUGENE, Ore. – Five Oregon wrestlers were honored at Friday night’s postseason banquet, the awards, which are voted on by team members, honor the teammates who were recognized as the team’s most outstanding wrestler, most improved, best freshman and the Johnny Miller and David Abraham awards.
Shane Webster added one final honor to cap his Oregon career as he was named the team’s Outstanding Wrestler. The Sams Valley native had perhaps the finest season in Oregon wrestling history as he rolled through a nearly undefeated season to win the national title at 184 pounds. Webster’s only loss of the season came in the final of the Reno Tournament of Champions as he lost a 2-0 decision to Mike Tamillow of Northwestern. The senior earned All-American status for the second time in his career.
Beau Malia, who finished the season with 12 wins, was named the team’s outstanding freshman. Malia split time with Ryan Dunn at 125 and moved up to 133 several times in the wake of Justin Pearch’s injury.
Chris Dearmon, who scored some big victories for the Ducks including a 7-3 decision over his former sparring partner Cody Parker, was named most improved wrestler. Dearmon the junior heavyweight from Central Point won 17 matches on the year, and recorded nine falls, to lead the team.
Ryan Dunn was honored as the team’s winner of the Johnny Miller “To be the very best I can...”Award. The Johnny Miller Award is named in honor of the Ducks first national champion Miller won the national title in 1969 at 115 pounds. It signifies Miller’s enduring work ethic of pushing himself to be the best. The award is given to the Duck who is the most well rounded in all of his endeavors, athletics, academics and life. Dunn split time at 125 with Beau Malia, as well as moving up to 133 several times. Dunn was a solid competitor and a tough draw all season compiling a record of 17-5.
Skyler Woods was named the team’s winner of the Dave Abraham “For the love of the sport...”Award. The award symbolizes someone whose greatest enjoyment was wrestling. Woods finished the season with 21 victories and was given a fifth seed at the Pac-10 tournament, before a concussion ended his season.
