University of North Carolina Athletics
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Austin O'Connor Named ACC Wrestler of the Year
March 31, 2021 | Wrestling
GREENSBORO, N.C. (theACC.com) – National champion Austin O'Connor of North Carolina has been chosen the Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler of the Year and heads up the sport's 2021 season award winners announced on Wednesday by the conference.
"We're incredibly proud of Austin for how he represents our program," said Head Coach Coleman Scott. "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."
Connor is joined by ACC Freshman of the Year Sam Latona of Virginia Tech, while NC State's Pat Popolizio and Pitt's Keith Gavin received the nod as ACC Co-Wrestling Coaches of the Year.
ACC season honors are determined by a vote of the league's head coaches.
The second-seeded O'Connor's 3-2 win over No. 1 seed Sammy Sasso of Ohio State in the 149-pound final on March 20 secured UNC's first NCAA wrestling gold medal since 1995 and the 20th all-time by an ACC wrestler. It marked the sixth NCAA title all-time by a Tar Heel wrestler.
O'Connor, a redshirt junior from Lockport, Illinois, also successfully defended his conference title in the 149-pound weight class at the ACC Championships on Feb. 28.
He finished the season 13-0, including a 6-0 mark against ACC opponents.
"We're incredibly proud of Austin for how he represents our program," said Head Coach Coleman Scott. "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."
Connor is joined by ACC Freshman of the Year Sam Latona of Virginia Tech, while NC State's Pat Popolizio and Pitt's Keith Gavin received the nod as ACC Co-Wrestling Coaches of the Year.
ACC season honors are determined by a vote of the league's head coaches.
The second-seeded O'Connor's 3-2 win over No. 1 seed Sammy Sasso of Ohio State in the 149-pound final on March 20 secured UNC's first NCAA wrestling gold medal since 1995 and the 20th all-time by an ACC wrestler. It marked the sixth NCAA title all-time by a Tar Heel wrestler.
O'Connor, a redshirt junior from Lockport, Illinois, also successfully defended his conference title in the 149-pound weight class at the ACC Championships on Feb. 28.
He finished the season 13-0, including a 6-0 mark against ACC opponents.
Players Mentioned
/ Wrestling
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