Jan. 29, 2008

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Virginia Tech's Tommy Spellman, a true freshman from Newton, N.J., was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler of the Week today, after capping a strong week with an upset over the nation's No. 10 wrestler. Spellman, who now has a 19-8 record this year, was 2-0 for the week as the Hokies split dual meets against North Carolina and Virginia.

Against the Tar Heels on Saturday, Spellman pulled out a tough 3-1 sudden victory decision over Nick Tenpenny. The win was his first-ever in an ACC meet. On Sunday, against No. 10 Rocco Caponi of UVA, Spellman recorded perhaps his biggest victory of the season. After scoring early in the match, he was able to hold on for the close 5-2 decision, handing Caponi just his second loss of the season, and earning the Hokies the points they would need to squeak out an 18-16 team win over the Cavaliers.

Spellman and the Hokies, who are now 1-2 in the ACC and 5-5 overall, will host Ohio University this Friday evening and then take on UNC Greensboro Sunday afternoon. Tech's next league-meet will be on Feb. 15 at NC State.