The conference honor is the first for the Sandpoint, Idaho, native, and the first by a Sooner this season. The 125-pounder is also the lone freshman in the conference to garner the award this year.
"True-freshmen that start usually go through a challenging transition, and Joey is no different," head coach Jack Spates said. "His hard work and persistence were rewarded last weekend with two huge victories. This award is well-deserved and we are very proud of him."
Fio posted an 11-2 major decision over John Olanowski of No. 12 ranked Missouri last Friday, which gave him his 10th dual win this season. He followed up with a stunning upset victory in Lincoln on Sunday by defeating Donahoe of the No. 2 ranked Huskers. After being down 4-3 to begin the third period, Fio scored a takedown and an escape to win by decision, 6-5.
The win over the Husker was Fio's second this season against a Top 10 opponent. He defeated then-No. 9 ranked Javier Madonado of UT-Chattanooga on Jan. 18.
After the successful weekend, the freshman now ranks second on the team with 48 takedowns in dual competition.
The wins propel him to a 17-7 overall record and an 11-4 dual record, including a fourth place finish at the Brockport/Oklahoma Gold Classic and runner-up finish at the Oklahoma Open.
The Sooners resume competition this Friday, Feb. 15, at the Lloyd Noble Center when they host Cal Poly at 7 p.m. The squad will share the floor with the OU women's gymnastics team in the first "Beauty and the Best" event.
The first 500 fans arriving Friday will receive an event T-shirt, and raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. Both teams will also take part in an autograph session at the conclusion of the event.
Tickets are $5 for children and $7 for adults. Admission is free for OU students with a valid student I.D.
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