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Smith Named Big 12 Co-Wrestler of the Week
February 13, 2017 04:17 PM | Wrestling
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – After going 2-0 in Big 12 action this weekend, West Virginia University wrestling’s Jacob A. Smith has been named the Big 12 Co-Wrestler of the Week, as announced by the league on Monday.
Smith is joined by Oklahoma State’s Chandler Rogers in receiving this week’s honor. It marks the second accolade of the season for the redshirt junior, who previously received the award on Nov. 21. Smith has now earned Big 12 accolade four times in his career.
“I’m proud of Jake for leading the team with another Big 12 Wrestler of the Week honor,” WVU coach Sammie Henson said. “Jake needs to keep working hard, and he will do amazing things at Big 12s and NCAAs.”
In Thursday’s loss to South Dakota State, Smith, ranked No. 5 in the nation at 197 pounds, defeated No.7-ranked Nate Rotert by injury default. Smith scored a pair of takedowns and a pair of escapes for a 6-0 lead before the bout was stopped midway through the second period.
Against Iowa State on Sunday, Smith claimed a 12-0 major decision over Marcus Harrington. He had three takedowns, four nearfall points, an escape and riding time to post his 10th straight win and his 16th of the season. His bonus-point victory set up a thrilling comeback win, as freshman Brandon Ngati went on to score a pin in the next bout as WVU took down Iowa State, 22-20, for the program’s first Big 12 win.
The Mountaineers close out their home slate on Friday when they host No. 23 Edinboro. Slated for a 7 p.m. start, the dual will be the team’s annual Senior Night celebration.
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