Feb. 10, 2009

GREENSBORO, N.C. – North Carolina 125-pound freshman Nick Shields has been named Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler of the Week after helping the Tar Heels nail down a key conference win and a non-conference victory over the weekend.

Shields scored a pin and a major decision in victories over NC State and Ohio. The Metairie, La., native got the Tar Heels off to a fast start in the 33-12 win over the Wolfpack with his first career pin in 2:47 against Greyson Mills on Friday. On Saturday, Shields recorded a major decision in North Carolina’s 26-12 victory over the Bobcats. Shields dropped Tim Silvers in the final seconds for an 8-0 victory to record his fifth win in the last seven bouts,

With the win over the Wolfpack, the Tar Heels (12-7) completed a 4-1 regular season vs. ACC competition. North Carolina still has four non-conference dual matches scheduled before the ACC Wrestling Tournament in Blacksburg, Va., on March 7.

ACC action this week finds Virginia playing host to NC State on Saturday. The Wolfpack then visits Virgina Tech on Sunday. Duke has a one-day swing through the state of Virginia slated for Sunday, visiting the Cavaliers for a 1 p.m. match, then wrestling at Virginia Tech at 7 p.m.