Redshirt freshman Micky Phillippi was a bright spot for the 13th-ranked Pitt wrestling team last weekend in a 36-9 loss to No. 3 Oklahoma State. Phillippi, a Derry graduate, stunned No. 2-ranked Daton Fix, 3-1, at 133 pounds.
The fourth-ranked Phillippi (13-1) handed Fix (21-1) his first loss as Pitt fell to 8-1.
Phillippi was recognized Tuesday for his big win — and season upsurge — as he was named ACC Wrestler of the Week.
Phillippi continues his impressive charge since transferring from Virginia, finding his way into the national championship conversation with the NCAA Tournament set for March 21-23 in Pittsburgh, at PPG Paints Arena.
“It feels really good,” said Phillippi, who is 6-1 against ranked opponents. “I’ve been working a lot in the room for moments like that, so it paid off. I feel good about what happened and I feel good about the day.”
Phillippi moved to No. 2 in the Intermat and Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine national rankings.
Bill Beckner is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Bill at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.
