Sako Named ACC Wrestler of the Week

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia’s Gus Sako (So., Cleveland, Ohio) has been tabbed the ACC Wrestler of the Week following his victory last Saturday against No. 5-ranked Mario Mason of Rutgers. This is Sako’s first career ACC Wrestler of the Week honor and the second-consecutive wrestler of the week honor for Virginia; Jedd Moore earned the distinction last week.

Sako (15-5) recorded a 5-3 decision over Mason at 149 pounds as part of the No. 20 Cavaliers’ 24-12 win against the Scarlet Knights. It marked just the second loss of the year for Mason (16-2).

Sako jumped Mason quickly with a takedown 20 seconds into the first period and then built up over a minute of riding time before Mason escaped. Sako escaped to score the lone point in the second period to push the lead to 3-1. After Mason selected the down position to start the third, Sako held him down until 12 seconds remained when Mason reversed him to temporarily tie the score. Mason allowed Sako to escape but could not score the takedown needed to tie the match and send it to overtime. With 1:59 in riding time to earn the bonus point, Sako claimed a 5-3 victory.

Sako is the third Cavalier to earn ACC Wrestler of the Week honors this year. Ryan Malo (Sr., Georgetown, Mass.) claimed the distinction on Nov. 22, while Moore notched the honor on Jan. 31.

With the win Sako also has started to get some national acclaim. He now is ranked No. 17 at 149 pounds in the Amateur Wrestling News rankings and No. 19 in the WIN Magazine rankings.

Winners of six-consecutive dual matches, Virginia (8-1) next wrestles at Appalachian State (10-3) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.