Salopek Named to Third-Team All-Rookie Squad

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia Wrestling’s Mike Salopek (R-Fr., North Huntingdon, Pa.) has been named to the third team of Amateur Wrestling News’ 2010 All-Rookie Team.

Salopek was a constant at 184 pounds this season for the Cavaliers, posting a 28-10 record, including a 16-5 mark in dual matches and 3-1 mark in ACC bouts. Salopek also earned a berth in the NCAA Championships in his rookie campaign.

Salopek’s shining moment of the season came in the ACC Championship match when he scored a late takedown against Virginia Tech’s Tommy Spellman in earning a 2-0 victory over the tournament’s top seed. That victory clinched the ACC title for the Cavaliers, their first team championship since the 1977 season.

With that win, Salopek became Virginia’s first freshman ACC champion since Gage Short in 1995.