By BRENT MAZE/Special to the Reporter

HUNTSVILLE — Coby Mize is a little different from most Alabama teenagers.

Instead of being an Alabama or Auburn fan, he roots for Oklahoma. The Calera senior shows that love for the Sooners each time he steps on the wrestling mat by wearing his crimson OU socks.

“I’ve always gone for Oklahoma; nobody’s ever known why,” Mize said. “I just woke up one day when I was 3 years old and just decided I liked Oklahoma, and I’ve rooted for them ever since.”

Mize, however, did something that Alabama, Auburn or his Sooners couldn’t do this year — win a championship and finish the season undefeated.

The senior pinned Christian Lane Burtram of St. Clair County (40-9) to finish the season 51-0 and win the 171-pound championship in Class 1A-4A.

Mize said he felt pressure to finish the season undefeated, especially going against a good wrestler from St. Clair County.

“Even after winning state two times, I was still nervous out of my mind,” Mize said. “But I had a good game plan and I went out and executed it.

Mize said the undefeated season has been a goal of his ever since he started wrestling.

“I’ve tried for that undefeated season every year, but I’d always lose about two or three matches. This last year I was able to pull it off. I am so thankful for that. I’m thankful for my parents, my coaches, my friends and anyone else who helped me get here.”