CORVALLIS, Ore. – For the second straight week a University of Providence men's wrestler was named the WVT Laboratory Cascade Collegiate Conference Wrestler of the Week.
This week it was
Joel Avila who is taking home the honor, the second time he has
received the award in his career. Availa, a junior from Indio, Calif.,
took second place in the 133 lb. weight division in the Spokane Open on Sunday. He posted two major decisions, including one over Gonzala Aleman from Washington State.
"Joel has been on a roll lately," head coach
Steve Komac said. "He has beaten some very good kids. He's still making some improvements that's going to help him in his future matches. We're excited for him and we think he's heading in a great direction."
Avila, the 12
th-ranked wrestler
in the 125 lb. weight class, has had a strong start to the season, amassing a 7-4 record on the year. After splitting his first two duals, he
defeated returning All-American Nick Kunz of MSU-Northern. He also did well
at the Grand View Open, finishing the tournament 2-2.
"He is extremely athletic and very quick," Komac said. "We're asking him to wrestle all three phases of the sport – on his knees, on top and on bottom. He's figuring out all three positions. That's something he did very well yesterday in Spokane. We really like the growth that we're seeing."
Avila winning the award marks the second straight week that an Argo wrestler has been received the recognition –
KC Buday won the award last week. The coaching staff believes the two of them are some of the leaders of a team who's depth is only improving.
"From the top to the bottom of the lineup, more guys are starting to represent themselves well," Komac said. "Once we get five, six or seven guys doing that we'll be at the level that we want to have. We have a few guys at that level and I feel like we're starting to grow our depth right now."
Avila and the Argos will take the week off for Thanksgiving break. They'll be back in action on Dec. 4 in the McLaughlin Center for the Battle of the Rockies.
