Matt Mariacher of the No. 12
American University wrestling team has been selected as the AU
Student-Athlete of the Week presented by GEICO, Department of
Athletics officials have announced.
Mariacher, who is currently ranked No. 13 in the country at 141
lbs., pinned No. 20 Zach Neibert of Virginia Tech on Sunday
afternoon in the Eagles’ dual finale. Mariacher took a 1-0
lead in the first period on a Neibert penalty and Neibert began the
second on top, riding Mariacher for the majority of the period. But
Mariacher was able to turn Neibert over late in the period and pick
up the impressive fall at the 4:47 mark of the match.
Mariacher’s pin provided the Eagles’ six key team
points to open up a 21-8 advantage over the Hokies en route to the
25-19 victory.
The win improves Mariacher’s career record to 90-41,
including a team-best 20 wins this season with only seven setbacks.
The redshirt senior's 90 career wins are eighth-most in program
history and his 48 dual victories are fourth-most. The Buffalo,
N.Y., native has recorded 19 career major decisions, tied for
second-most in school history, along with nine pins, the
eighth-highest total in the program annals.
Mariacher and the Eagles will return to action at the EIWA
Championships from March 3-4 in Princeton, N.Y. Mariacher will be
looking to defend his title at 141 lbs.
