While wrestling at the
University of Oklahoma, Wayne was a three-time Big Eight champion and a three-time All-American. He was an NCAA runner-up as a junior, he won the NCAA national championship the following year as a senior. Wells placed fourth at the
1968 Olympic Games. While turning his attention to law school and the foundation of his professional career, Wayne intensified his wrestling efforts. He captured the silver medal at the 1969 World Championships, then returned a year later to win gold at the 1970 World Championships. He won two national freestyle titles and placed second in the Pan American Games. In the months leading up to the 1972 Olympics, he completed his final year of law school, passed the state bar exam, assisted the OU coaching staff, and trained five hours a day. At the
1972 Olympic Games in
Munich, he earned a gold medal in
freestyle wrestling in the welterweight class. Wells is also noted for being the first ever
Nike signature athlete. In 1982, Wells was inducted into the
National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member. ==References==