BUFFALO, NY — University at Buffalo sophomore John-Martin Cannon has been selected as the Mid-American Conference Wrestler of the Week. The 20th nationally-ranked wrestler, posted a 4-0 record to capture the 165-pound title including a decision over 14th-ranked Justin Kerber of Cornell at the New York State Intercollegiate Wrestling Championships on January 23-24 at Cornell University.
Capturing the 165-pound crown at the New York State Intercollegiate Wrestling Championships, Cannon upset nationally-ranked Kerber of Cornell, 3-1, in overtime. On Saturday, Cannon scored a fall followed by a major decision to reach the semifinals. In the semifinals, the sophomore posted a 6-4 decision over Matt Kaylor of Binghamton in the second overtime period to reach the championships.
After finishing in third place last year, Cannon earned his first trip to the finals where he would record the biggest victory of his career, defeating Kerber in the first overtime period, 3-1.
For his performance at the New York State Intercollegiate Championships, Cannon appeared in the 20th slot in the latest USA Today/Intermat/NWCA Division I Individual National Rankings, marking the first time he has ever been nationally-ranked in his career.
Cannon's selection as MAC Wrestler of the Week marks the first time in his career that he has garnered such an honor.
For the season, Cannon holds a 17-11 overall record and 7-5 dual meet record. The sophomore will look to record the 40th overall victory of his career at Saturday's conference home opener.
After spending over a month on the road, the Bulls (7-4-1) will return home on Saturday, January 30 as they host MAC opponent Ohio in their conference home opener at 1:00 pm. On that day, the Bulls and the Division of Athletics will host "Takedown Cancer" to benefit former UB wrestling co-captain and 2008 graduate Jeff Parker as well as Carly's Club in Buffalo, part of the Roswell Park Cancer Center, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA, Jeff's hometown.