UNC redshirt junior Austin O’Connor was named the ACC Wrestler of the Year on Wednesday, after recently becoming the Tar Heels’ first national champion in the sport since 1995.

O’Connor was the No. 2 seed at 149 pounds in the NCAA Championships. He would go on to defeat No. 1 seed Sammy Sasso of Ohio State by a score of 3-2 in the championship match.

For the season, O’Connor compiled a perfect 13-0 record and also won the ACC Championship at 149 pounds.

“We’re incredibly proud of Austin for how he represents our program,” UNC head coach Coleman Scott said. “He’s truly an example for how to use hard work and dedication to reach your goals. He’s deserving of this award after the season he had. I couldn’t be more excited about what he is doing at Carolina and am looking forward to seeing how he continues to succeed.”

 

Photo via Jenna Miller (jennamillerphotos.com)

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