Oklahoma State University Athletics
Fozzard Inducted Into Wrestling Hall of Fame
December 01, 2011 | Cowboy Wrestling
Dec. 1, 2011
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State wrestling great Fred Fozzard was honored as a distinguished member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the organization announced last week.
Fozzard wrestled at Oklahoma State from 1966 through 1968, compiling a career record of 54-4-3. He acquired numerous victories and accolades throughout his career, despite the fact he had a form of Polio in his right arm.
Fozzard was a three-time All-American at 177 pounds, winning an individual national championship in 1967. He helped lead OSU to team national titles in 1966 and 1968.
He also made U.S. wrestling history when he joined Rick Sanders as one of the first two Americans to win a freestyle world championship, as he won gold at the 1969 World Championship in Mar De Plata, Argentina. He placed fifth at the event the following year.
“It's just amazing how he excelled beyond his limitations and didn't let an unfortunate circumstance slow him down,” Coaboy wrestling coach John Smith said.
Fozzard was a two-time Big Eight champion at 177 pounds, taking the title in 1967 and 1968. He was also named the Big Eight Outstanding Wrestler in 1968. His career win percentage of 90.98 is No. 24 all-time at OSU and his career pin percentage of 44.3 is No. 9 in school history.
“It's a great inspiration to see him be inducted into the highest honor of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame,” Smith said.
