Barone Named ACC Wrestler Of The Week

DURHAM, N.C. ? Duke wrestler John Barone, a 184-pound redshirt sophomore from Shirley, N.Y., has been named the ACC's co-wrestler of the week. The award was announced Tuesday morning by the conference offices in Greensboro, N.C. Barone shares the award with Maryland's Hudson Taylor, a 197-pounder. It is the first such award for a Blue Devil in almost two years, as current redshirt sophomore Michael Degli Obizzi won the award on Jan. 23, 2006.

Barone's performances last Saturday in Bloomington, Ind., at the Hoosier Duals included three pins, one major decision and a 12-6 decision over the No. 8 nationally-ranked Marc Bennett of Indiana. His 15-second pin of Rob Nusekabel of the University of the Cumberlands was the third-fastest fall in Duke history. Only Folwell Dunbar in 1989 (12 seconds) and J.J. Koch in 2001 (14 seconds) have bested that time. Barone is now 15-1 this season with three falls and 50-16 in his career. His .746 career winning percentage ranks 10th in school history.

“John had a great day today,” said Anderson on Saturday. “He wrestled a smart, tough match to beat the eighth-ranked 184-pounder in the nation. This was a huge win and should help propel him into the upcoming tournaments. He also had three pins on the weekend and did a great job to help our team.”

The Blue Devils will compete in the all day Davidson Open in Davidson, N.C., on Saturday, Dec. 1. Duke will then take three weekends away from meets before returning at the prestigious Southern Scuffle tournament in Greensboro, N.C., on Dec. 29 and 30.

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