Johnston Claims Big 12 Wrestler of the Week Award

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (January 20, 2014) – Senior Colin Johnston of the West Virginia University wrestling team has been named the Big 12 Wrestler of the Week, announced the conference office today.

Johnston tallied WVU's first win and takedown against No. 5 Oklahoma State on Saturday, Jan. 18. He wrestled No. 12 Anthony Collica to the mat twice in the first period. Collica recorded an escape and reversal to bring the bout to 4-3 in Johnston's favor midway through the first period. An escape by Collica to start the second knotted the match at four, but Johnston took Collica down for a third time and turned him on his back for a two-point nearfall to earn the decision, 8-4.

Johnston has now defeated back-to-back ranked opponents, recording a decision over No. 20 Dan Neff of Lock Haven, 12-7, on Jan. 4. He leads the Mountaineers with 27 takedowns in his team-high 11 dual-match victories this season, with his lone loss coming against then No. 19 Joe Spisak of Virginia on Nov. 2.

Johnston, 22-5 overall on the season, is the first WVU wrestler to be honored as the Big 12 Wrestler of the Week.

Johnston Ranked No. 17

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (January 21, 2014) – Senior Colin Johnston of the West Virginia University wrestling team is ranked No. 17 by the Amateur Wrestling News.

Johnston (141) is 22-5 on the season and 11-1 in dual meets. His lone loss in a dual meet came on Nov. 2 to No. 12 Joe Spisak of Virginia. Johnston has defeated two straight ranked opponents in then-No. 20 Dan Neff of Lock Haven on Jan. 4 and then-No. 11 Anthony Collica of Oklahoma State on Jan. 18.

Johnston leads the Mountaineers (9-3, 0-2 Big 12) with 27 takedowns this season. His seven wins by fall this year leaves him one away from breaking into the program’s top 10 for single-season pins.

Johnston was named the Big 12 Wrestler of the Week following WVU’s match against No. 5 Oklahoma State on Saturday, Jan. 18. Johnston is ranked No. 20 by Gregg Henry’s Wrestling Report.

Joining Johnston in Gregg Henry’s Wrestling Report rankings is senior Nathan Pennesi (133) at No. 24, junior Mike Morales (149) at No. 31, sophomore Ross Renzi (165) at No. 31 and sophomore Bubba Scheffel (174) at No. 23.

For the latest on WVU wrestling, follow @WVUWrestling on Twitter.

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