31 Jan 2024 UALR’s Josiah Hill collects Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week award

SAN FRANCISCO – Josiah Hill has been named Pac-12 Wrestler of the Week, his first career weekly conference honor as well as the second for the Little Rock wrestling team this season. Hill’s upset victory in the final bout of the match versus Oregon State this past Friday sealed the overall team win, and the redshirt junior finished with a perfect 2-0 record over the weekend. It is the first time that the program has garnered more than one conference award in a single season and the fourth in program history.

“Incredibly happy for Josiah,” said head coach Neil Erisman. “The award comes at the right time for him. That was a big moment for him and the program, and it’s a great honor to back that up.”

Entering the heavyweight bout, Little Rock and formerly ranked #16 Oregon State were tied 17-17. Hill’s takedown in the final minute of the third period secured a 4-1 decision over his ranked opponent, defeating formerly ranked #17 McDermott and solidifying the team 20-17 win. The victory gave the Trojans back-to-back wins over ranked teams as well as their second win over a ranked program in school history. Hill finished the weekend with a commanding 15-5 major decision at Stanford.

It’s the third season in a row that a Trojan has earned a conference honor. Freshman Nasir Bailey received the first of the season following his strong performances at the Collegiate Duals in December. Last season, 157-pound starter Matty Bianchi was recognized, and the year before, current 165-pound starter Joseph Bianchi collected the first-ever for Little Rock. Notably, all four award winners are in the lineup currently, proving the program’s development over the years.

The Little Rock wrestling team will return to their home base at the Jack Stephens Center this weekend, celebrating Senior Day this Saturday, Feb. 3 at noon against #23 Cal Poly, their fourth Pac-12 dual of the season. The Senior Day ceremony will take place prior to the start of the match.

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