GREENSBORO, N.C. – Reynolds graduate Cole Matthews has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler of the Week for the second time this season following a pair of impressive victories.
The 141-pound junior, ranked 17th nationally prior to last weekend’s action, extended his current winning stretch to nine matches with a pair of victories that were earned in very different ways. In Friday night’s conference match at North Carolina, Matthews used a slick first-period takedown and solid defense late to hand previously undefeated No. 6 Kizhan Clarke his first defeat of the season by 3-2 decision.
On Sunday, Matthews pulled off an unorthodox cement mixer in the opening minute to pin No. 19, Matt Kazimir of Columbia, in just 33 seconds.
Matthews, now 13-2 on the season, previously earned ACC Wrestler of the Week honors on Jan. 11. He moved up to number eight nationally in the latest 141-pound rankings following last weekend’s marquee wins.
