SPARTANBURG, S.C. – VMI’s Neal Richards has been named the Southern Conference wrestler of the week for all competition from Jan. 9-15 the league office announced Wednesday. This selection was his second of the year.

Richards won his tenth straight match on Sunday in Southern Conference action against Appalachian State. Competing at 174 pounds, he pinned Thomas Fitz in just 1:07, resulting in the shortest match of the afternoon.

The South Chesterfield, Virginia, native is now 17-3 on the season with six victories by pins.

The Keydets are set to welcome the University of Virginia Cavaliers on Friday for a dual meet match-up at 7:30 p.m.

Also nominated: Irvin Enriquez (Appalachian State), Andrew Morgan (Campbell) and Tanner Smith (Chattanooga).

2018-19 SoCon Wrestlers of the Week

Nov. 7        Fabian Gutierrez, Chattanooga

Nov. 14       Angel Najar, Appalachian State

Nov. 21       Andrew Morgan, Campbell

Nov. 27       Randall Diabe, Appalachian State

Dec. 5        Sawyer Root, The Citadel

Dec. 12       Neal Richards, VMI

Dec. 19       Michael Elliott, Appalachian State

Dec. 26       Jake Huffine, Chattanooga

Jan. 2         Randall Diabe, Appalachian State

Jan. 9         Alonzo Allen, Chattanooga

Jan. 16       Neal Richards, VMI