Sport: Wrestling (@UVaWrestling)

Contact: Andy Fledderjohann

Spisak topped pair of ranked opponents last week

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia’s Joe Spisak (R-Jr., Boiling Springs, Pa.) has been named the ACC Wrestler of the Week following a pair of wins over ranked foes last week. It marks the second such honor for Spisak; he also earned ACC Co-Wrestler of the Week honors on Feb. 5, 2013.

This is the third time this season a Virginia wrestler has earned the distinction, as Nick Sulzer has twice been named the conference’s wrestler of the week in 2013-14.

Ranked 16th nationally by Amateur Wrestling News, Spisak defeated fourth-ranked Evan Henderson of North Carolina, 4-0, Friday before downing Sam Speno of NC State, 3-1, Sunday afternoon. Speno is ranked 25th nationally in the latest NCAA Coaches Panel Rankings.

With his defeat of Henderson, Spisak now has won three bouts against returning All-Americans this season. He also defeated The Citadel’s Undrakhbayar Khishignyam and Minnesota’s Chris Dardanes earlier this season at the Southern Scuffle. Spisak rolled up 3:19 in riding time in the convincing victory.

Spisak upped his record to 18-10 on the year with the pair of victories. 

The Cavaliers (17-3, 5-1 ACC) conclude the regular season Sunday (Feb. 16) with a 2 p.m. dual at George Mason. The postseason begins March 8 with the ACC Championships in Blacksburg, Va., followed by the NCAA Championships March 20-22 in Oklahoma City.