Student-Athlete of the Week presented by GEICO Jan. 12, 2008

Sophomore Matt Mariacher has been named the American University Student-Athlete of the Week, Department of Athletics officials announced Monday. Mariacher defeated North Carolina's Vincent Ramirez at 141 lbs. on Saturday by major decision, 16-7, to help the Eagles to a 25-19 upset over the Tar Heels. Mariacher had entered the weekend unranked while Ramirez was ranked 20th by InterMat, 16th by WrestlingReport.com and 19th by W.I.N. Magazine.

Mariacher scored first on Ramirez with a takedown 30 seconds in the first period. Ramirez would escape though and after scoring on an ankle pick took a 3-2 lead into the second. In the second, Mariacher quickly escaped from his down starting position to tie the score at three. Ramirez then scored a takedown to regain the lead but Mariacher was able to use Ramirez's own momentum to reverse him and score three back points to go on top, 8-5. Mariacher scored once more on Ramirez as time expired in the second and took a 10-6 lead into the third. Mariacher scored one final takedown in the period after a Ramirez escape, hit the senior for three back points and with riding time earned the victory by major decision, 16-7.

Mariacher's bonus point win pulled the Eagles to within two points in the team score, 19-17. AU went on to win the next two weights en route to a 25-19 upset of North Carolina.

Mariacher and the Eagles return to the mat this Friday, Jan. 16, when the team travels north to Annapolis, Md., and faces EIWA foe Navy at 7 p.m.