This year, he literally and figuratively rolled over the competition, anchoring the NU lineup in dual meets against the nation's best teams. Against Iowa, Fox won the final meet of the match to give the Cats the victory. A lone defeat to Wisconsin's Kyle Massey was avenged in the Big Ten Tournament, when he steamrolled the poor Badger 12-5 on his way to the Big Ten crown.
Fox saved his best for last, turning in a gritty performance in the final match of his collegiate career. While the score was even throughout, it appeared that Bergman had the upper hand, battering Fox and opening up several cuts on his forehead. Again and again, the match was halted as the NU trainers attempted to stop the bleeding. Each time, the senior stepped back on the mat. So close to the title, Fox simply would not be denied.
Even when a Bergman headbut shattered Fox's nose midway through the first overtime period, the NU senior refused to quit, staying on his feet and waiting for an opportunity. Suddenly, deep into the second overtime, there it was: Fox had the Ohio State senior by the leg.
Putting all 285 pounds into one last takedown, Fox hurled Bergman to the ground. Seconds later, he bear-hugged coach Tim Cysewski, wearily raising his arms to the sky, going out on top.
The win was bloody. It was relentless. It was everything you would expect from NU's self-effacing, Mandarin-speaking, opponent-throwing Big Man On Campus.
Sports editor Jake Simpson is a Medill junior. He can be reached at james-simpson@northwestern.edu
2008 Woodie Awards
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