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Dr. Death Returns To Norman Friday

Posted: Jan 15th 2008 By: CMBurnham

Former University of Oklahoma All-American and professional wrestling sensation Steve Williams, most famously known as "Dr. Death," will be honored in Norman this Friday, Jan. 18, when the No. 18 Sooner wrestling team hosts No. 16 Tennessee-Chattanooga at 7 p.m. at the Howard McCasland Field House.

"Dr. Death was one of the greatest and most unique athletes OU has ever produced," said head coach Jack Spates. "He was also one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time after he graduated from the University."

Williams was given the nickname Dr. Death in high school after his rough demeanor in athletics. The name stuck when he arrived at Oklahoma, as he was a two-sport star for the Sooners.

Dr. Death is one of only 10 Sooners in the history of the wrestling program to be recognized as a four-time All-American. Wrestling under Coach Stan Abel, Williams was a two-time Big 8 champion for the Sooners and was the national runner-up in 1981.

The football program under legendary coach Barry Switzer was also impacted by Dr. Death. Williams was part of two teams that won Big 8 championships and played in five bowl games, including three trips to the Orange Bowl.

After graduating from OU with a degree in health and recreation, he played professional football as a defensive nose guard for the United States Football League. After leaving the league in 1983, he joined the Universal Wrestling Federation and had great success in the professional wrestling ranks. He became the World Heavyweight Champion in 1987 and tag team champion in 1986 and 1988.

His success took him to Japan in 1990 when he signed a contract with the All-Japan Wrestling League where he won countless titles and belts overseas, including the 1994 All-Japan Triple Crown.

Dr. Death has since written a book entitled, "How Dr. Death Became Dr. Life," where he shares his life testimony, including his battle when diagnosed with life-threatening throat cancer. Last summer after overcoming the illness, he was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Hall of Fame.

"What a delight for this program to have Dr. Death return to Norman," Spates said. "His story is both amazing and inspiring. We are proud to welcome him back to the Sooner wrestling program."

Following is a list of promotional events surrounding the Oklahoma vs. UT-Chattanooga dual:

? Free admission to the public, with doors opening at 6 p.m.
? First 500 fans will receive a 2007-08 Sooner wrestling team photo.
? Raffle allowing one lucky fan to take home a 26-inch flat screen television
? Autograph session with current wrestlers and Dr. Death at the conclusion of the match