Bethel Park wrestler wins ACC title
Nino Bonaccorsi was one of two University of Pittsburgh wrestlers crowned champions during the ACC tournament hosted by North Carolina State at the Reynolds Coliseum.
Bonaccorsi, a Bethel Park graduate, claimed his first ACC title with a dominating performance in the 197-pound weight division.
He displayed relentless attacking in his two wins: an 8-2 semifinal triumph over NC State’s Nick Reenan and a convincing 10-4 final coronation against Virginia’s Jay Aiello.
Aiello had been ranked No. 3 in the nation before Bonaccorsi had toppled him during a dual meet earlier this season. The victory had helped Bonaccorsi earn the top seed for the tournament and he lived up to his billing.
“It feels great to get a win against a quality opponent, especially in such a tough conference like the ACC,” said Bonaccorsi. “I’m happy I am able to get my first conference title and I look forward to the national tournament in a few weeks.”
The NCAA wrestling championships will be held March 18-20 in St. Louis.
Bonaccorsi, a junior, was joined in the winner’s circle by Jake Wentzel of South Park.
A senior, Wentzel claimed the 165-pound weight class without conceding a point, shutting out North Carolina’s Kennedy Monday, 1-0, and Virginia’s Jake Keating, 4-0.
Pitt head coach Keith Gavin was proud to see his team produce multiple ACC champions for the third straight season.
“It feels great to get a win against a quality opponent, especially in such a tough conference like the ACC,” said Bonaccorsi. “I’m happy I am able to get my first conference title and I look forward to the national tournament in a few weeks.”
Bonaccorsi and Wentzel were two of four automatic qualifiers for the Panthers, who hope to receive a few at-large bids.
Bonaccorsi’s and Wentzel’s performances helped Pitt post a fifth-place showing in the team standings during the tournament. NC State won the team title for the third straight season.