SPARTANBURG, S.C. – VMI’s Neal Richards has been named the Southern Conference wrestler of the week for all competition from Jan. 16-22 the league office announced Wednesday. This selection was his third of the year.

Richards won both of his matches this past week defeating Drew Peck of the University of Virginia by technical fall in 5:44, and Hunter Fortner of Chattanooga by technical fall in 4:53.

The South Chesterfield, Virginia, native is now 19-3 on the season, winning his previous five matches before his last loss to 2018 NCAA National runner-up and 2017 National Champion Mark Hall of Penn State.  He joins the ranks of Jason Cox (2000-04) as only the second Keydet in conference history to win the award three times over the course of their collegiate careers. Richards is also the second wrestler in SoCon history to win the award three times in a single season, the last being The Citadel’s Ugi Khishignyam during the 2012-13 season.

The Keydets will travel to Northfield, Vermont, on Saturday to compete in the All-Academy Championship.

Also nominated: Angel Najar (Appalachian State), Andrew Morgan (Campbell), Sawyer Root (The Citadel), Tanner Smith (Chattanooga) and Noah Satterfield (Davidson).

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

Jan. 23       Neal Richards, VMI