That has been the story for Hazewinkel as OU navigates the early part of its schedule. Hazewinkel is 10-0 and ranked No. 1 by Amateur Wrestling News. Challenges for the Florida native have been tough to come by so far. Hazewinkel is a three-time All-American and placed second in the Big 12 last year.
"It really doesn't bother me," Hazewinkel said. "Coach teaches us to train for each match as if it's the NCAA Championships. That's what we've got in our mindset, and it's something that motivates us. Some days are harder than others. Regardless, you have to wrestle your matches."
Hazewinkel placed third at the NCAA Championships each of the last three years. He knows he has plenty of work to do.
"I've got to keep working. You don't want to be happy with where you're at," Hazewinkel said. "Over the course of the season you learn how to change some things and tweak them a little to make yourself better. That's what I'm trying to do now."
Tougher matches are ahead. There's the Bedlam showdown with Oklahoma State on Sunday, though the Cowboys don't have anyone ranked at 125. A dual with Cal-Poly on Dec. 9 will pit Hazewinkel against the No. 2-ranked wrestler at his weight, Chad Mendez. Duals with Nebraska and Michigan State are also on the horizon.
"I always look forward to tough matches," Hazewinkel said. "Sometimes it is a little hard to get up for the early part of the schedule. But I know down the road there's going to be plenty of tough competition. We've got a ways to go."
UCO didn't back down from the Sooners. The Bronchos had wins from Jared Henning (133), Kyle Evans (141), Justin Wood (165), Jared Hess (184) and Josh Leadingfox (heavyweight).
OU got a technical fall win from Joshua Weitzel (174) and an 11-2 win from Joel Flaggert (197).
"Our play was to train through this and be ready for OSU," OU coach Jack Spates said of Sunday's 3 p.m. match in Norman.
